A Humble Ghetto Boy who Rose to be University Vice-Chancellor

Prof Maurice Okoth as a Standard 1 pupil of Heshima Road Primary School; as a A-level student of Jamhuri High School in 1984 and as the Vice Chancellor of Kenya Methodist University (KeMU). PHOTOS/Prof Maurice Okoth.
  • In Form 4, teachers had to raise funds to pay Okoth’s school fees to keep him in school because they believed he was disciplined, hardworking and had a promising future.
  • Prof. Okoth states that during his A-levels, his love for mathematics, chemistry and biology (his subject combination), grew exponentially. Thanks to his subject teachers.
  • His tenure as Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) stands out as a significant milestone.

Prof. Maurice Oduor Okoth was born in Got Nanga village, Ligala sub-location, East Ugenya location, in the former Siaya District. However, he spent most of his childhood in Nairobi’s bustling neighbourhoods of Shauri-moyo, Kibera, Jericho, and Mathare estates. His father worked as a truck loader for a maize-milling company, Maida Millers Ltd in the 1970s, which was later taken over by Unga Millers Ltd.

He says that despite his parents being illiterate, they greatly influenced his early life because of their belief in education.

“As a curious child, I was fascinated by how things worked, often questioning my parents about the natural world around me. Many a time, they had no answers for me,” Prof. Okoth explains.

His father would remind him to study hard in school, so that he could get answers to his many questions, and above all, escape being a menial labourer like him.

Though he didn’t have a specific career in mind at first, Prof. Okoth shares that his love for understanding how things function eventually drew him towards the sciences, shaping his academic and professional journey.

“In class one, my mum tells me, I would ask why the wheels of vehicles go round and round. Also, one time, when in a bus, I asked her whether it was the bus that was moving or it was the trees that were moving outside,” he remembers.

“I started school in 1973, at Got Nanga Primary in my village. No sooner had I settled than I was moved to Heshima Road Primary School in Nairobi. My family stayed in Shauri-moyo area, in a small company bedsitter residential house. At the new school, I built a strong academic foundation that culminated in my sitting for Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) exam in 1979,” he narrates.

Prof. Maurice Okoth (L) as a Standard 1 pupil of Heshima Road Primary School together with his immediate follower Paul Onyango, his aunt Rose Awuor and his second follower George Osogo in this 1973 photograph. PHOTO/Prof. Maurice Okoth.

“My primary school teachers were my biggest heroes/heroines, and role models, because they could give me answers to my questions,” Prof. Okoth says in response to a question.

He recalls Mr. Michael Ochieng, his primary school headmaster, alongside his class teacher Mrs. Waweru of class 7 Red, Mrs. Sakwa, a tough disciplinarian, Mr. Owino, the strict science teacher, Mr. Ogula, the teacher of English and Mr. Kwambio the great mathematics teacher.

“These were real teachers who had teaching as a calling, unlike those of today. They taught me the importance of discipline and nurtured my love for learning,” he explains nostalgically. 

For secondary education, Prof. Okoth says, he joined Ofafa Jericho High School (OJHS) in Nairobi in 1980, with Mr. Igobwa and later, Mr. D. P. Oketch as his school headteachers, where his knowledge and interests expanded.

Here, Prof. Okoth says, he found inspiration in teachers who imparted skills in him and made learning enjoyable.

Prof. Maurice Okoth as a A-level student of Jamhuri High School in 1984. PHOTO/Prof. Maurice Okoth.

“Mr. Nzioka and Mr. Maingi’s woodwork and metalwork lessons respectively, trained me on quality, precision and paying attention to details. Mrs. Salash, my Kiswahili teacher influenced my polished speaking and the art of minding my language. Mr. Mathenge, my commerce and accounting teacher, built in me the entrepreneurial skills I have today. A standout was Mr. Raphael Onyango, whose engaging physics lessons made the subject come alive and is the one who sparked my interest in sciences,” Prof. Okoth says with fondness written all over his face. 

 “My father was evidently struggling to educate me, his first born child, in addition to my siblings, from his hand-to-mouth wages. Nonetheless, at no time, in Form 1 and 2, was I sent away from school for non-payment of tuition fees. He was that serious with my education. On his retirement he used part of his last pay-cheque, to clear my Forms 3 fees,” Prof. Okoth explains wearily. 

In Form 4, teachers had to raise funds to pay Okoth’s school fees to keep him in school because they believed he was disciplined, hardworking and had a promising future.

For this, he says that he will forever be grateful to Mr. Nzioka for mobilising teachers of OJHS in the 1982-1983 years to contribute towards his secondary education.

According to Prof. Okoth, day secondary school life was not a smooth sail for him. At times he had to walk for 15 km from Kibera, through Industrial Area to OJHS. On retirement, his dad left him in the hands of a well-wisher friend in Jericho estate, to save him the long trekking in quest for knowledge. 

For his A-levels, Prof. Okoth faced a harsh reality—he neither had school fees nor uniform to join Form 5. His father, having retired to the village, left him behind without any resources. On completing his O-level exams, Okoth had to relocate from Jericho estate to Mathare slums within Nairobi, to stay with his aunt.

Maurice Okoth (R) and Makau Mutisya on a one Saturday afternoon at Ofafa Jericho High School, while taking a break from studies. This was in Form 4, a week before Mock exams in 1983. The two were best friends and study companions. Makau was the brightest student in the school that year according to Okoth. PHOTO/Prof. Maurice Okoth.

In March 1984, he went back to OJSS to collect his O-level and leaving certificates. He had resigned himself to joining a steel mill factory in Kikuyu town, as a laborer. While waiting at the secretary’s office, a moment of destiny unfolded.

As he stood there, Mr. Okech, the formidable headteacher, emerged from his office to give instructions to his secretary. Upon spotting Okoth, he immediately beckoned him into his office. Okoth vividly remembers his commanding presence—a tough principal with a strong personality who was both feared and respected in equal measure.

“Your letter of admission to Kagumo High School in Nyeri is still here. Why are you not in school?” Mr. Okech demanded to know.

Okoth explained his predicament that he couldn’t afford the fees, and that he had walked on foot from Mathare slums, to collect his papers to start working at a factory.

“No way!” Mr. Okech thundered, his tone leaving no room for argument. “You are not going to work in a factory with Division 1. You are going to school.”

Without hesitation, Okoth narrates, Mr. Okech grabbed his office phone and had a long conversation with someone on the other end. He was a fast talker, and Okoth could barely keep up with what he was saying. The only part Okoth clearly heard was the last line: “Thank you. I am sending him over right away.”

Turning to Okoth, Mr. Okech ordered: “Report to the head teacher of Jamhuri High School (JHS) today.”

Reaching into the side pocket of his tight grey trousers, he pulled out Ksh. 500 and said to him, “Take this money, pay it at the school, and they will give you two pairs of uniform. Work hard and join university,” Okech further instructed.

He also handed him some coins for bus fare. That little act of generosity and belief in Okoth’s potential, changed his life.

At the new school, Okoth met an acquaintance, Mr. Igobwa, the former OJHS and then, the head teacher of JHS. Okoth learnt that Mr. Igobwa was the person on the other end of Mr. Okech’s phone call. Mr. Igobwa put Okoth on a full bursary of Ksh. 450 per year, for the two years, which enabled him to complete his Forms 5 and 6.

“Looking back, that chapter of my life was defined by resilience, compassion, and the unexpected kindness of strangers who believed in me when I had almost given up on myself,” Prof. Okoth says as he looks away to hide his tears.

Prof. Okoth states that during his A-levels, his love for mathematics, chemistry and biology (his subject combination), grew exponentially. Thanks to his subject teachers.

“Mrs. Patel gave me hands-on experience in chemistry practical. Mr. Armajeet Singh, made me an authority in the then feared mathematics topic of ‘Kinematics’. He would make me work out problems on the blackboard to fellow students, as he stood at the back of the class, in a ‘Pagri’ (head wrap turban). Mr. Mahungu’s biology lessons were exciting from the way he would teach off-head without any reference materials,” Okoth recalls, like it was just yesterday.

The passion and dedication of these teachers, inspired Okoth to pursue a career in sciences, he confesses.

Maurice Okoth in First year Semester 1 at Moi University in 1987. PHOTO/Prof. Maurice Okoth.

Prof. Okoth notes that his decision to study Chemistry at Moi University was largely personal.

“I had always been fascinated by chemistry because of its ability to solve real-world problems,” he shares, saying his opportunity to study at Moi University, which had a newly established, well-staffed and truly ethnically diverse chemistry department, was a dream come true. 

“I was fortunate to learn from some of the best minds of the time in the field,” he notes, naming mentors like Prof. Justin Irina, Prof. Mohammed Rajab, Prof. Alexander Okoth, Prof. (Mrs) Thagyarajan, the late Profs Dismas Otieno and Paul Ndalut, among others.

“Their guidance opened my eyes to the vast applications of chemistry and fueled my passion further,” he adds.

Okoth later graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and became a member of faculty of Moi University, starting as a graduate assistant in 1991.

Maurice Okoth awaiting a field trip while at Moi University as a second year student in 1989. PHOTO/Prof. Maurice Okoth.

Prof. Okoth says, his journey to earning Masters and PhD degrees at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, was a testament to his determination.

“I pursued my Masters between 1996-1997 and my PhD from 1999-2002, through scholarships,” he says, reflecting on his time in the UK. 

The postgraduate path wasn’t easy. “It was challenging but deeply rewarding,” he explains, crediting his late supervisors Prof. John Sherwood and Prof. David Sheen, for their guidance.

His research combined theoretical and practical aspects of solid-state chemistry, significantly enhancing his expertise.

“This experience prepared me for a career in academia and research,” he emphasises. 

Okoth points out that his educational journey in Kenya and UK, had a stark contrast.

“During my undergraduate years, access to research resources was limited,” he recalls adding that: “Equipment was scarce, and information was restricted in the late 1980s, making progress difficult. But I made the most of what was available.”

“For my Master’s and PhD studies, I had access to abundant resources. I completed my PhD research in just 24 months, though I had to wait for the mandatory 36 months to graduate,” he shares. 

Maurice Okoth during his graduation with B.Sc in Chemistry at Moi University in 1990. PHOTO/Prof. Maurice Okoth.

However, he adds, returning to Kenya in 2003 brought new challenges. “Conducting practical research in my area of Physical Chemistry was next to impossible due to resource limitations in the local academic environment,” he says.

Prof. Okoth’s belief that he can overcome obstacles was rooted in perseverance, creativity, and teamwork.

“I learned to seek creative solutions, whether by reaching out to international colleagues or finding ways to adapt to limited resources,” he narrates.

Building a strong network of collaborators and utilising technology also proved invaluable. “These challenges taught me that success is not just about having the best resources. It’s about determination, adaptability, and working with others,” he quips. 

Prof. Maurice Okoth addressing graduands during a past graduation ceremony at Kenya Methodist University when he served as the institution’s Vice Chancellor. PHOTO/Prof. Maurice Okoth.

He says, his tenure as Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) stands out as a significant milestone.

“When I joined KeMU in 2017, the institution was struggling and on the verge of closure. I focused on restructuring administrative systems and operations, institutionalising sustainable fiscal models, and restoring stakeholder confidence,” he explains.

His efforts, he says, turned around KeMU into a stable and thriving institution in a record 3 years, and is now recognised as a university of choice and is doing very well, even after he completed his term of office. 

In the field of chemistry, Okoth says he has achieved remarkable milestones.

“I’ve won competitive international grants like the VLIR-UOS SI and TEAM projects, worth hundreds of millions of Kenya shillings, which have supported my work in chemistry and sustainable practices,” he shares, adding that his research has been widely published in reputable journals and are highly cited, reflecting its impact and quality. 

Prof. Maurice Okoth poses for a photo in his professional years. PHOTO/Prof. Maurice Okoth.

Prof. Okoth says, one of his proudest contributions is the development of innovative water purification methodologies in analytical chemistry. However, he values mentoring above all.

“Guiding MSc and PhD students has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Seeing them grow into accomplished scientists is an achievement I hold close to my heart,” he admits, further pointing out that, he has made significant strides in chemistry through impactful projects addressing real-world challenges.

“I’ve worked on point-of-use drinking water treatment and sustainable methods to provide high-quality drinking water to rural and informal settlements in Kenya,” he proudly reveals.

These projects, he says, not only address critical national needs but also contribute to global efforts aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“They enhance quality of life while promoting sustainable development,” he adds. 

Prof. Okoth in his office when he was Vice Chancellor of Kenya Methodist University (KeMU). PHOTO/Prof. Maurice Okoth.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Prof. Okoth points out that he is deeply committed to mentorship and community service. He says, one initiative he is particularly proud of is the mentorship programme he established at the University of Eldoret for his Water Analysis research group.

“It has helped young scientists transition into meaningful careers,” he says adding that he has also spearheaded public awareness campaigns on environmental issues, training communities and influencing policies. 

In his village, Prof. Okoth states that he initiated academic mentorship programmes for secondary schools like Got Nanga, Sega Township, Kogere Mixed and St. Annes Sega Girls’, where he has served in Boards of Management.

“These programmes have yielded remarkable results, proving that meaningful change begins at the grassroots,” he remarks.

Parting Shot

“Education is the key to unlocking the potential of individuals and communities. My advice to the younger generation is to never stop learning, to be resilient in the face of challenges, and to use the knowledge they acquire to make a meaningful difference in themselves and the immediate world around them,” Prof. Okoth notes.

Prof. Maurice Okoth, as the Deputy Chair of the Governance Board, Kenya Universities Quality Assurance Network, during a session at Strathmore University in January 2025. PHOTO/Prof. Maurice Okoth.

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