UoN Fraternity mourns Academic Giant, Prof. George Magoha

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE

The University of Nairobi has been saddened by the demise of Prof. George Albert Omore Magoha, the past Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, on Tuesday January 24^th, 2023.

The University community joins the nation in mourning Prof. Magoha, an academic giant and past Cabinet Secretary for Education.

Prof. Magoha’s experience and work ethics endeared him to many and over the last 35 years of working at the University as a lecturer (1987-1996) ,Head of Department of Surgery (1998-1999), Dean, Faculty of Medicine( 2000-2001), Principal, College of Health Sciences( March 2001-March 2002 , Deputy Vice Chancellor (A&F) (April 2002-December 2004), and later Vice Chancellor( January 5, 2005-January 5, 2015.  He exhibited the qualities of humility, bold and forthright, principled and prudent in the use of resources entrusted to him  in his capacity as a member of staff. Later, Prof George Magoha also served  a term of five years as Cabinet Secretary for Education, (2018-2022)

I personally have worked closely with Prof. Magoha since 2003 when I joined University management.  I can attest to the fact that Prof. Magoha was indefatigable in his defence of the University and its quest for excellence.  We will remember Prof. Magoha’s trans-formative style of leadership.  Above all that he was humble and cared for the welfare of all staff regardless of their rank and station. 

We are encouraged by the messages of condolences, tributes by people from all walks of life; they have enjoined us in this difficult period of mourning.  Prof. Magoha remained a true Catholic, exposing the virtues of service to mankind.  We are sad but also convicted that Prof. Magoha has transited to a better place. 

We wish to condole with the family, his wife Dr. Barbara Magoha, son Dr. Michael Magoha and the extended family.

We thank the Almighty God for the years that Prof. Magoha served the education sector and pray that God Almighty rest the soul of Prof. George Albert Omore Magoha in eternal peace.

 

 

PROF. S. G. KIAMA, PhD

VICE CHANCELLOR

 

The UoN Fraternity took to social media to mourn its former Vice Chancellor through their social media pages.

Academic Registrar, Humphrey Webuye~ "Professor George Albert Omore Magoha was a Scholar, Medic and Transformational Leader. He was energetic, enthusiastic, and very firm. He was nicknamed the “Kifaru” when he was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi. ‘No’ or ‘it cannot be done’ were not part of his vocabulary. He was not only concerned with results but was personally involved in the process. He built winning Teams and mentored many leaders. He saw his work as selfless service toward serving God and humanity. He led by example and established strong, trusting relationships to ensure the success every institution and organization he served in. He was always ahead of his time and a man of great wisdom. He taught me a lot on strategy and governance. May his soul rest in eternal peace."

Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr. John Orindi- "The Academic fraternity is in shock. The towering giant has fallen. An honest and dedicated public servant. A no nonsense administrator. A man who believed that University of Nairobi is the only University in Kenya. Fare thee well Prof. George Omore Magoha."

Njeri Muhoro~ "He advised us to be diligent, to serve to our best, and to fear God. this was his last day in the office, and this was his staff. I was an appendage. I will remember his parting shot."

Mr. Charles Sikulu- "It’s a big big personal loss, RIP Prof. George Magoha."

Registrar Admin, Mr. David Njuguna~ "In 2005, Prof Magoha appointed me the Founder UoN Alumni Administrator. At our first post COVID-19 graduation ceremony, he chased me away when I attempted to offer him a Mic. He later on personally apologised to me. That's GAOM for you! R.I.P"

Vincent Nyakwach, UNSA student leader~ "His most remarkable achievement at the UoN was instituting discipline among the academic staff, non-teaching staff and the students. At the time he assumed office, apparently staff members never worked, lecturers missed classes and some even lost student examination marks. Student strikes were notoriously common and had damaged the institution's reputation. By meeting openly with students to discuss their issues, he created a safety valve for ventilation and preventing them from rioting. For the 10 years he served as the vice chancellor, the students went on strike fewer times than before his time in office. Go well Prof."

All the above glimpses of his all round personality only contribute to our sadness, but we are happy that Prof. Magoha believed in his Maker and has transited to a better existence. We, the entire community, wish to condole with his family, The wife, Dr. Barbara Magoha  and the son , Dr. Michael  Magoha and the wider extended family during this period of grief. We pray to God Almighty to rest the soul of Prof. Geroge Albert Omore Magoha in Eternal Peace.