The University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof Stephen Kiama has led the institution fraternity in mourning its former Chancellor Joe Wanjui.
Also known as Joseph Barrage Wanjui, he rested on July 2, aged 87, after a long battle with illness. He was philanthropist, business mogul, and advisor to political leaders remains impactful.
In 2004, Wanjui Education Trust which issued university scholarships to over 500 bright but needy female students across Kenya.
Eulogising the late Wanjui, the VC Kiama said, “To the family, and friends of Dr Joseph Barrage Wanjui, former chancellor of the University of Nairobi and prominent businessman, it is with profound sadness that i extend my deepest condolences’ for the loss you have suffered following the demise of Dr Joseph Wanjui.
Dr Wanjui was a great leader who dedicated his life to service. His contributions and accomplishments have left an indelible mark on our institution, the broader education and Corporate sector. The University of Nairobi community shares in your grief and remembers Dr. Wanjui with deep respect and admiration.”
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He was born in 1937 in Kiambu County. However the exact birth dates were rarely recorded.
He chose to celebrate his birthday on May 24 to coincide with the British Empire Day. He began his academic journey at Kabaa Mission School and graduated from Mang’u High School, Thika, in 1957.
Makerere University offered him a chance to study medicine in Uganda but declined the offer. Instead, he opted for the United States’ Ohio Wesleyan University on a full tuition scholarship.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and later became the first Kenyan to pursue industrial engineering and management at Columbia University, earning his master’s degree in 1962.
He also completed another Master of Science degree in 1964. He returned to Kenya with KSh70,000 savings from his time abroad where he started he invested in various businesses.
President Mwai Kibaki in June 2003 appointed Wanjui as the Chancellor of the UoN. In 2004, the university conferred upon him an Honorary Doctor of Science degree in recognition of his contributions to business and industrial development.
By Joseph Mambili
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