Professor Phillip Okoth Raburu, who served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Planning, Research, and Extension at the University of Eldoret, has passed away.
His death occurred at Eldoret Hospital following a period of illness.
Prof Raburu was an Associate Professor specializing in Aquatic Resources and Environmental Management, with a distinguished career that encompassed teaching, research, university administration, and community engagement.
He earned a PhD in Environmental Studies from Moi University, a Master of Science in Hydrobiology from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Science in Botany and Zoology.
His teaching journey began at Moi Teachers’ College and later at Siriba and Kisii Diploma Teacher Training Institutions, where he dedicated eight years before joining Moi University’s Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science as an assistant lecturer in 1994.
Prof Raburu advanced through the academic ranks, achieving the title of Associate Professor at the University of Eldoret in January 2015.
Throughout his tenure, he held various administrative and academic positions, including head of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, postgraduate coordinator, and member of numerous Senate and university committees.
He was a university senator for 12 years at both Moi University and the University of Eldoret, actively participating in student affairs and serving as a patron for student organizations.
A dedicated researcher and mentor, Prof Raburu supervised five PhD and 41 MSc students while also examining postgraduate students both locally and internationally.
His academic contributions include 51 articles published in refereed journals and the authorship of one book. Additionally, he completed over 20 consultancy projects at both national and regional levels.
Outside of academia, he was the founding director of the Victoria Institute for Research on Environment and Development (VIRED) International and served as the national chairman of the Kenya Nile Basin Discourse Forum.
Prof Raburu played a significant role in the development and revision of national policies and regulations regarding fisheries, natural resources, and environmental management.
Born in Migingo Village, Kadibo Division, Kisumu County, he attended Migingo Primary School, Maranda High School, and Maseno High School.
His passing is a significant loss to the academic community, as he made substantial contributions to higher education, environmental management, fisheries research, and community development in Kenya.
