Former Education CS George Magoha Dies At 71 Years

It’s also a Double tragedy to the Magoha family as his brother, Prof Richard Nyabera Magoha, was set to be buried this Saturday after passing on in the US on December 6, 2022.

The family was already going on with burial arrangements when they were hit with news of the death of the former CS.

In August 2021, the Prof Magoha lost another brother, Charles Agunga Magoha, who died in Sweden.

Before being appointed to cabinet five years ago, Prof Magoha served as Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nairobi (UoN) for ten years (2005 to 2015).

He also served as a Professor of Urological and Transplant Surgery at UoN’s College of Health Sciences. His medical career includes work and training in Nigeria, Ghana, Ireland and the United Kingdom. He also trained in Executive Management at Stanford University.

In Nigeria, he began his career as an intern in Surgery at Lagos University Teaching Hospital  and rose to become Senior Resident and Clinical Lecturer in Surgery. He later joined UoN as a Lecturer in Urological Surgery in 1988 and rose through the ranks to become a full Professor of Surgery in 2000.

Several prominent leaders including Prime Cabinet Secretary and Raila Odinga have sent their condolences to the family of Magoha.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Prof. George Magoha, a transformational leader, illustrious scholar, dedicated public servant, and distinguished medical doctor who left an indelible mark on our country’s education system. We will remember him for his incredible intellect, wit, and ability to inspire and challenge us to do our best. My condolences go out to his family and colleagues. May he Rest In Eternal Peace.” Raila Odinga wrote.

“I have learnt with great sorrow about the passing of Prof. George Magoha, EGH.

Prof. Magoha is a towering giant of our time, a great man who stood tall in the academy, where he excelled in learning, teaching and research, as well as in administration, where he led robust turnaround interventions at the University of Nairobi and the Kenya National Examinations Council.

Prof. Magoha also famously served as the Cabinet Secretary for Education. Throughout his tenure, he evinced a commitment to high standards in the public service and an uncompromising integrity.

I have been privileged to know and work with the late Professor in many capacities, from the university where I completed my post-graduate studies, to government, where he served with distinction as the chair of KNEC and later as my colleague in Cabinet. We have lost a gifted, unique, distinguished and great servant of Kenya.

I join Kenyans and people from other parts of the world in mourning the passing of Prof. Magoha. I also send condolences to his family and pray that Almighty God grants them divine comfort and grace in this moment of grief.” President William Ruto mourned.

“REST WELL PROF. GEORGE MAGOHA

I have learnt of the demise of Prof. George Magoha with great shock.

Known for his independence of mind and fearlessness, Prof. Magoha, was an accomplished professional who served the Republic of Kenya with zeal as witnessed when he served as the Cabinet Secretary for Education and other posts held earlier.

In his field of Medicine, Prof Magoha has made immense contributions in practice of medicine and research.

In the education sector, he left an indelible mark at the University of Nairobi – where he rose through the ranks to become a Vice Chancellor, at the Kenya National Examination Council as the Chairperson and finally as the CS for Education.

I will miss Prof Magoha, a man I personally admired for his forthrightness and ethics.

My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Prof Magoha.

May Prof Magoha rest well.” Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua wrote.