Prof. Henry Thairu remembered as a giant of education reform

Renowned educationist and university administrator Prof. Henry Thairu, who passed away on January 25, 2026, is being remembered as a distinguished scholar, visionary leader, and one of the key architects of Kenya’s higher education reforms.

A memorial service in his honor will be held on February 1, 2026, at the Nairobi Baptist Church, while the funeral service is scheduled for Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Karen Community Church.

Prof. Thairu served in numerous senior leadership roles across universities, government institutions, and international education bodies. He served as Council Chairman Daystar University.

He was the former Director of the Kenyatta University Consultancy Unit, Coordinator of the School of Creative Arts, Film and Media Studies at Kenyatta University, and Chairman of the Commission for University Education (CUE) from 2014 to 2016, where he oversaw key reforms in university regulation and quality assurance.

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He previously served as Vice-Chancellor of Inoorero University (2008–2013) and held senior academic leadership positions at JKUAT, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs. He also founded JKUAT Enterprises Limited, advancing the commercialization of university research and innovation.

Beyond academia, Prof. Thairu chaired KENET, strengthened digital connectivity for higher education institutions, and served on national and global boards, including WAITRO and GCHERA.

He was also a member of the Technical Advisory Higher Education Taskforce (TAHEST) that developed landmark education laws shaping Kenya’s higher education and innovation sectors.

His legacy lives on through the institutions he strengthened, the policies he helped shape, and the generations influenced by his work.

By Our Reporter