Nairobi, Kenya

The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is deeply saddened to have heard of the death of Professor George Albert Magoha, an AAS Fellow and former education Cabinet Secretary of Kenya. He passed away on 24 January 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Professor Magoha studied at College of Medicine of the University of Lagos and received a Bachelor of Medicine degree in 1978. He furthered his studies in Surgery and Urology at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, where he graduated in 1985. He graduated from Royal College of Surgeons in 1980 and Royal Postgraduate Medical School at Hammersmith Hospital in 1983. He trained in executive management at the Stanford University, Graduate School of Business, and received many international professional honours and awards.

He dedicated his latter years working in education, policymaking and leadership. He was Kenya’s cabinet secretary for education from 2019 to 2022. He also served as the chairman of the Kenya National Examinations Council from 2016 to 2019. His impact is unmistakable in higher education, basic education, and in national examinations in Kenya.

Professor Magoha was elected as a Fellows of the African Academy of Sciences (FAAS) in 2006. The AAS remembers him for his contribution to the growth of the Academy. May he rest in peace.

Condolence messages from AAS Fellows

“This is a huge loss for the Academy and the continent. Professor Magoha was committed to reforming the education sector in Kenya. May his soul rest in eternal peace.” Dr Peggy Oti-Boateng, Executive Director, the African Academy of Sciences

"Prof Magoha was a man who liked to see things done well, effectively and in a timely manner. He was fair and stickler for discipline which came through to make him one of our great practitioners as a surgeon, a health academician, and a leader in the management of academic institutions. May his soul rest in peace." Professor Daniel Olago, Governing Council Member, the African Academy of Sciences

"Prof Magoha was a force of nature. A dedicated academician who was determined to move any field he was involved in forward. Yet he had a great sense of humor that belied his strict administrative 'nothing is impossible' approach to work. He has left a legacy of excellence at all he undertook that will endure. RIP." Professor Elizabeth Anne Bukusi, Fellow, the African Academy of Sciences (FAAS)

"Let us all cherish the time we had with Prof Magoha and ensure his legacy lives on in us. Accept our sincere condolences and prayers." Professor Mary Abukutsa-Onyango, Governing Council Member, the African Academy of Sciences

"I got the opportunity on a few occasions to interact with Prof. Magoha during his tenure at the helm of the medical regulatory body and as an ardent academician.  I was elated to learn that he was to join Maseno University to provide mentorship to upcoming medical scientists.  Prof. Magoha was as an astute academician who left giant footprints wherever he had the opportunity to serve at different levels. Indeed, an iroko tree has fallen and we are all wandering in the academic world! We pray that God will grant the statesman an eternal rest and also the family and all those his academic ‘dependents’ fortitude to bear the loss.” Professor Collins Ouma, Fellow, the African Academy of Sciences (FAAS)

Contacts

The Africa Academy of Sciences

Fellows and Affiliates Coordinator

fellows@aasciences.africa

+254 725 290 145