Remembering Joe Wanjui: A Pillar of Education and Business in Kenya

The University of Nairobi community is in mourning following the passing of its former Chancellor, Joseph Barrage Wanjui, who died on July 2 at the age of 87 after a prolonged illness. Prof. Stephen Kiama, the Vice Chancellor of the university, led the institution in paying tribute to Wanjui, highlighting his lasting impact on education, business, and philanthropy in Kenya.

Joseph Barrage Wanjui, affectionately known as Joe Wanjui, was a philanthropist, business mogul, and trusted advisor to political leaders. His influence extended far beyond the corporate world, touching the lives of countless individuals through his dedication to education and service.

In 2004, Wanjui established the Wanjui Education Trust, which provided university scholarships to over 500 bright but financially needy female students across Kenya. This initiative underscored his commitment to empowering young women through education, helping to bridge the gap and provide opportunities for those who might otherwise be unable to pursue higher education.

In a heartfelt message, Vice Chancellor Prof. Kiama expressed his condolences to Wanjui’s family and friends, saying, “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 the corporate sector. The University of Nairobi community shares in your grief and remembers Dr. Wanjui with deep respect and admiration.”

Wanjui’s academic journey was as remarkable as his professional one. He was offered a chance to study medicine at Makerere University in Uganda but chose instead to attend Ohio Wesleyan University in the United States on a full tuition scholarship. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and became the first Kenyan to pursue industrial engineering and management at Columbia University, earning his master’s degree in 1962. He further completed another Master of Science degree in 1964.

Upon his return to Kenya, Wanjui brought with him KSh70,000 in savings from his time abroad, which he invested in various businesses. His entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen helped shape the industrial landscape of Kenya, and his contributions were recognized in 2004 when the University of Nairobi awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Science degree.

In June 2003, President Mwai Kibaki appointed Wanjui as the Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, a position he held with distinction. His leadership and vision helped steer the university towards greater heights, cementing its status as a premier institution of higher learning in the region.

Joe Wanjui’s legacy is one of dedication, service, and transformative impact. His life’s work has left an indelible mark on Kenya’s educational and corporate sectors, and his memory will continue to inspire future generations. As the University of Nairobi mourns his loss, it also celebrates the remarkable contributions of a man who devoted his life to making a difference.