Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology’s (JOOUST) don, Prof. Henry Onderi, has won the Regional Voice of Change Award.
Prof. Onderi is among the 34 other Kenyans who got categorized awards from iChange Nations for their outstanding contribution to making the world a better place.
Prof. Onderi was recognized for his contribution to the advancement of education in Kisii County where he is the County Education Board (CEB) chairperson.
The board is said to be the most visible and results-oriented in the country.
The 35 winners were awarded at a colorful evening ceremony held at Karmel Park Hotel on the outskirts of Kisii Town on February 26, 2022.
The iChange Nations team from the USA was led by their ambassador, Dr. Reuben West, who officiated the ceremony.
The certificates bore the message of iChange Nations President, Dr. Clyde Rivers.
“I want to thank you for using your voice to speak up and speak to others in a way that creates an impact and positive change within the world,” Dr. Rivers’ message to Prof. Onderi read.
“The avenue for change starts as potential and becomes chiseled into the hearts and minds of others through words spoken by brave individuals committed to bettering the world,” he added.
Prof. Onderi is the pioneer chairman of the CEB in Kisii County, a position he has robustly held.
He has been at the center of ensuring schools within the county adhere to the rules and regulations as provided for in the Basic Education Act 2013, among other policies.
Prof. Onderi features prominently in the news, particularly in regional radio and TV stations due to his resolve to speak on matters education wherever he finds an opportunity.
“Your integrity and character are on display by your willingness to advocate for others when it goes against the status quo,” Dr. Rivers said.
Others who were awarded include Edna Kangwana who is the Kisii County Executive Member in charge of Administration, James Maganda who is the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Manager- Kisii and Magdalene Gesare, HoD Quality Assurance & Standards at Cardinal Otunga Mosocho High School.
Gideon Nyambati, who is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, based in Kisii, Isaac Omwenga, the CEO Wakenya Pamoja Sacco, Francis Kooli, Kisii County Police Commander, Mzee James Matundura, Gusii Council of Elders Chairperson, Bishop Kennedy Nyarieko of Deliverence Church of Kenya and Lilian Bonareri from Kisii County Communications department, were also awarded.
Meanwhile, Prof. Onderi was joined by family, friends, relatives and colleagues at Simba Hills Park Hotel- Kisii to celebrate the award and his rise to Professorship.
“I became a Professor three years ago. It coincided with the Covid-19 Pandemic so I had to keep the celebrations on hold,” Prof. Onderi said.
Those who attended the party include JOOUST DVC, Prof. Joseph Bosire, Kisii University Academic Registrar Dr. Joash Kerongo and the University’s dons Rev. Dr. Eliud Nyakundi and Dr. George Ngwacho Areba, Dean School of Education.
Rev. Dr. Nyakundi is also the Chairperson of the Education Management Society of Kenya (EMSK).
Others include Dr. Geofrey Otomu and Dr. Oimeke Mariita, both from Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH).
MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT
