Prof. Raphael Munavu EBS

Professor Raphael Munavu is a distinguished figure in Kenya's academic and public service sectors, renowned for his extensive contributions to education, science, and national development. He is currently a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Nairobi, the Chairman of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms in Kenya (September 2022 to present), Technology & Innovation (NACOSTI) since October 2021

Prof. Munavu's academic journey began in the United States, where he attended Kalamazoo College (B.A. 1967-1970), Wayne State University (M.Sc. 1970-1972), and the University of Detroit (Ph.D. 1972-1975). He specialized in Organic, Environmental, and Industrial Chemistry.

With a career spanning over 35 years, Prof. Munavu has held numerous key positions in academia and public service. He served as the Chairman of the Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS) for 19 years (2002-2021), Chancellor of Laikipia University for five years (February 2013 – February 2018), and Commissioner at the Constitutional Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) for six years (December 2010 – December 2016).
His roles in academic administration include being the Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Nairobi (1987-1990), founding Principal of Laikipia College of Egerton University (1990-1992), Vice-Chancellor of Egerton University (1992-1994), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration and Finance) at the University of Nairobi (1994-1998), and Vice-Chancellor of Moi University (July 14th, 1998 to September 19th, 2002). He played a pivotal role in establishing International Programs Offices at the University of Nairobi (1995) and Moi University (1999), and the Privately Sponsored Students Programs at Moi University (1998).
Prof. Munavu has published over ninety refereed and commissioned papers and supervised twenty-one postgraduate students. His research has focused on the role of higher education, chemistry, science, technology, and innovation in socioeconomic development. He has also consulted extensively on the environmental impacts of utilizing natural resources.

In addition to his academic contributions, Prof. Munavu has held several high-impact leadership positions. He was the Chairman of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) for ten years (2000-2010) and served as Hon. Secretary of the Association of Faculties of Science of African Universities (AFSAU, 1986-1992). He was a member of the Presidential Task Force on Public Universities Inspection Board (PUIB, 2005-2007) and the Strategy for University Education in Kenya (2006-2008). He was also the founding Chairman of the Council of the South Eastern University College (SEUCO), now South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), from 2008 to 2013

Prof. Munavu has been honored with several national awards, including the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW, 1994) and the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS, 2001). He received an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters, Honoris causa (D.Litt) from Kalamazoo College (USA) in 2001 and an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Laikipia University in 2013, recognizing his efforts in promoting inter-university linkages and advancements in higher education.

Prof. Munavu is dedicated to serving society through initiatives that create wealth, empower communities, and build capacities based on education, national heritage, indigenous knowledge, science, and technology. He advocates for value-adding enterprises utilizing Kenya's natural resources and human capacities.

Professor Raphael Munavu's illustrious career and unwavering commitment to education and public service have significantly impacted Kenya's academic and scientific landscapes, driving progress and innovation in these crucial sectors.