EFAC Co-Founder Prof Leah Marangu Honored at Annual DIAR Awards
Prof Leah Marangu Wins “EMinent leader” Award
The National Diversity and Inclusion Awards & Recognition (DIAR Awards), is an initiative of Daima Trust that recognizes employers, institutions, organizations, and individuals who champion Diversity, and promote Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), in the workplace and society.
EFAC Co-Founder Professor Leah Marangu was nominated in the “Eminent Leaders” category. Among a field of other worthy nominees, EFAC is honored that Prof Marangu was named the winner in this category and recognized for her seminal contributions to Kenya and EFAC.
From the humble beginnings of a Community Public Health Nurse who started the first and only branch of Meru Hospital in Meru’s Githongo Health Centre, which is now a full-fledged hospital, to a University president and a celebrated visionary and transformative leader in the education space, Prof. Marangu exemplifies the true definition of an eminent leader—one whose actions and deeds have not only shaped the lives of hundreds of thousands in Kenya but whose contributions have left an indelible mark in the hearts of people across the world. Exemplary achievements in education, leadership, and humanitarian work mark her illustrious journey.
EFAC Country Director Mary Kiguru accepted the DIAR Eminent Leaders Award on behalf of Professor Leah Marangu.
As the first woman full Professor and the inaugural female Vice-Chancellor in Kenya, Prof. Marangu shattered many glass ceilings, paving the way for countless women within the education space in Kenya to follow in her path in the spirit of DIAR Awards 2024 theme “Multiplying Positive Change Agents.” She was the longest-serving vice-chancellor in both public and private universities in Kenya. Her appointment as the Chair of the Board of Directors at the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation marked the first female Chair of Parastatal in Kenya. She was the longest-serving Commissioner of the Commission for Higher Education, the accrediting body for higher education in Kenya, and the longest-serving Senate representative to the Kenyatta University (KU) Council, showcasing her dedication to excellence and inclusivity.
Professor Marangu’s leadership at Africa Nazarene University (ANU) from January 1996 to October 2017 transformed it into a beacon of academic excellence with over 46 new programs serving students from over 18 African countries and across the globe at the time of her retirement, turning it into one of the best educational institutions in the region.
As many would respectively call her, “Prof” is also an Honorary alumnus of Kenyatta University, where she was recognized for Professional Exemplary Service, mentorship, and outstanding, continuous pursuit of excellence in advancing education. A true pioneer, Prof. Marangu contributed significantly to the establishment of Egerton University and served on various national bodies as a board member in a policy-making capacity, among them the National Council of Science and Technology, Kenya Utalii College, Kenyatta National Hospital Board of Directors, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Kenya Institute of Education (KIE) now Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR), Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), Government of Kenya Inter-ministerial Taskforce on government policy, Ministry of Agriculture Extension Education, Ministry of Energy and Taskforce on Performance Contract among other government agencies, being at the forefront of shaping education and national development policies.
Beyond academia, Prof. Marangu is recognized globally. Her humanitarian efforts are commendable, qualifying her for nomination by the Hunger Project in New York for the 5th Annual Africa Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger. Furthermore, she actively volunteered and interacted with FAO, WHO, UNESCO, USAID, CIDA, British Council, and ILO in diverse programs, reflecting her commitment to eradicating poverty through education and other social development initiatives. She received the Global Peace Strengthening Family Award from the Global Peace Foundation for her outstanding leadership as an educator in advancing family welfare as the primary social institution for supporting responsible parenting, healthy marriages, and a healthy and nurturing environment for children. Prof. Marangu received the Women Leadership Award conferred to outstanding women professionals with the vision, flair, acumen, and professionalism to demonstrate excellent organizational leadership and management skills, making changes and achieving results from the World Women Leadership Congress & Awards in Mumbai, India. Her impact extends beyond institutions, mentoring future leaders, and fostering international collaborations.
Prof. Marangu was awarded the International Leadership and Character Award and Distinguished Achievement Citation from her alma mater, Iowa State University. It is the highest honor alumnus recognition for pre-eminent contributions to agriculture, arts, education, and industry nationally or internationally. Her alma mater, Olivet Nazarene University, awarded her the Outstanding Alumni Lay Award, Maggie Sloan Crawford Award, and Doctor of Letters (D.Lit.) for her exemplary leadership in education and mentorship. She was a Fulbright Scholar and a visiting professor to the twelve top universities in the USA, an opportunity she used to create international linkages to raise the quality of life of needy individuals back home in Kenya. When the United States of America recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright Scholarship, they chose a photo of Prof. Marangu to post on their website and billboards across Kenya. It was a source of inspiration to many.
Locally, Prof. Marangu's national accolades include the National Council of Women of Kenya, which recognized her for her proactive advocacy of equality and inclusivity in Kenya. She initiated the Home Economics Association for Africa (HEAA) to empower African women professionals to participate in national and international development agendas. She received prestigious awards such as Women Trailblazers by Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta and the Kenya Eminent Women Trailblazers Award by the Government of Kenya through the Cabinet Secretary for Gender and Cultural Services in recognition of outstanding contribution to promoting gender equality and nation-building. Former Presidents of the Republic of Kenya recognized her immense contributions to national development, awarding her the Silver Star of Kenya (SS), the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS,) and the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS), awarded to her by former President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, former President Mwai Kibaki, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta respectively during their times in office.
As the Co-founder of Education for All Children (EFAC), Prof. Marangu's commitment to uplifting disadvantaged youth is unparalleled. For over 15 years, EFAC has run a comprehensive education-to-employment program, providing 8-year post-primary school scholarships to over 1,000 Kenyan youth, empowering them to shape brighter futures and positively impact their communities and the nation. Many of them have contributed through innovation and positive, selfless service to Kenya and abroad.
Professor Leah T. Marangu exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the DIAR Awards. Her contributions to good governance, business ethics, corporate leadership, education, and philanthropy have left an indelible mark on society. She is a catalyst for positive change and inspiration for generations to come.