Dr Julius Koringura was born in 1971 in Kanyerus after his family relocated from Katikomor due to rampant insecurity caused by cattle rustlers.
He began his early education in 1974 at Kanyarkwat Primary School and sat for the Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) examinations in 1980. In 1981, he joined Ortum Boys’ Secondary School and completed his Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education in 1984. His father paid his school fees despite financial struggles by selling the family’s few cattle and sheep.
In 1985, Dr Koringura proceeded to Maseno High School for his A-level education, where he studied Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics.
He later joined Kenyatta University in 1987 to pursue a degree in Physics and Mathematics. During his studies, he did his teaching practice at Tartar Mixed Secondary School and graduated from Kenyatta University in 1990.
Immediately after graduation, he was employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and posted to Maji Mazuri Secondary School in Baringo County.
However, due to a shortage of science teachers in West Pokot County, TSC transferred him to Holy Cross Secondary School in Kacheliba, where he served as Deputy head teacher. Under his leadership and teamwork spirit, the school frequently ranked among the top five institutions in KCSE results.
Recognising his outstanding efforts to improve academic standards, TSC promoted Dr Koringura to Principal at St Daniel Comboni Secondary School in Pokot South Sub-county.
He led the school for ten years, establishing twin computer labs for Biology/Agriculture and Physics/Chemistry.
Notable leaders supported fundraising to purchase the computers, including Raila Amolo Odinga, the late Otieno Kajwang, and the late Mark Too, popularly known as “Bwana Dawa.”
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From 2003 to 2004, Dr. Koringura pursued his Master’s degree at the University of Nairobi (UON). Among his major achievements was opening the University of Nairobi’s extra-mural centres in several locations, including Kapenguria (at Lutheran Church facilities), Nandi Hills, Lodwar, Lokichogio, Kitale, and Eldoret. These centres enabled many students from marginalised areas to access university education.
He is proud of the many students from West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Nandi counties who joined the University during his administration at the Extra-Mural Centres. He is equally proud of his spouse, Mrs. Koringura, who initiated Chesta Secondary School in Central Pokot.
Following in his footsteps, his children have excelled academically. His firstborn, Dr Brian Koringura, is a Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) pharmacist. His third-born, Winny Koringura, is a lawyer.
His fourth-born, Vanisa Koringura, studied Statistics and Programming at Kenyatta University. His fifth-born, Santano Koringura, studied Computer Science at Taft University in the USA and graduated in 2024.
Today, Dr. Julius Koringura is a senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi.
By Martin Ruto
