Kenyans have joined the international world in mourning the passing on of 64-year-old Professor Calestous Juma.
The world-renowned Juma was a professor at Practice of International Development and Director of the Science, Technology, and Globalization Project at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School.
Kenyan-born, the Harvard Professor was recognized for his immense contribution to science, technology, and innovation across the world. He was named among the top 100 Africans between 2012 and 2014.
He was also an author was among the first African Science and Environmental journalists with several publications under his name.
Before his demise, Prof. Juma was working on his new book, A New Culture of Innovation: Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Prosperity.
The Professor died on December 15, just a week after the burial of his mother. He left behind a widow and one son.
Kenyan leaders, led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga expressed their grief towards the loss of such a great mind.
Earlier this evening, I learned of the death of Professor Calestous Juma with profound dismay. We have lost one of our most distinguished scholars and patriots.
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) December 15, 2017
Those who had the pleasure of meeting him — or communicating with him online and off — will testify to his warmth, his love of learning, and his great generosity.— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) December 15, 2017
Whoever you were, he replied quickly and courteously, eager to let you have the benefit of his learning and experience. We will miss him.
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) December 15, 2017
I am grateful for his life; and I pray that God, who has called Professor Juma to himself, will comfort his family and grant them the grace and courage to endure the loss.— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) December 15, 2017
It is with deep sadness that I received the news of the passing of the distinguished Kenyan scholar Prof. Calestous Juma, who helped build the country’s profile across the globe. We pray for and mourn with his family, students and the entire Harvard University fraternity. pic.twitter.com/eflxnR9OOr— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) December 15, 2017
Most of them mentioned the experiences they had and recounted the impact that Prof Juma had on their lives;
Sad to announce the death of Havard Professor @calestous Juma, who died in Boston.
The Kenyan professor was listed among most reputable on earth in 2017.#RIPCalestous pic.twitter.com/ytHSdC2p93— The African Voice (@teddyeugene) December 15, 2017
Dear #Africa,
Let us honour our great teacher @calestous by working towards & achieving African integration. Let us transform agriculture & see a food secure & thriving continent.
Let us invest in #Science #Innovation for sustainable solutions to our challenges.#RIPCalestous ???? pic.twitter.com/x3Ih14zE58
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— Julie Gichuru (@JulieGichuru) December 15, 2017
We have lost a true giant, visionary and great ambassador for Africa in the fields of Science, Technology and Innovation. Rest well Musee, we will make you proud. #RIPCalestous #CreatingOurAfrica https://t.co/GyqTa5c6a5
— Brenda Apio Oca (@LadyApioOca) December 15, 2017
#RIPCalestous
Devastated at the loss of #CalestousJuma (1953-2017).
A friend. A mentor. An inspiration. A wit. A wise elder. A most wonderfully kind soul. The world is a poorer place today.
Where ever he is, I know he is smiling. Because @calestous always smiles! pic.twitter.com/vGD5fX0LUu— Adil Najam ???? ??? (@AdilNajam) December 15, 2017
@qzafrica published over a dozen of prof @calestous's articles on everything from trade to technology to agriculture. At the heart of those pieces was his unassailable belief in the role of innovative thinking in shaping the continent's future. #RIPCalestous pic.twitter.com/vw010m8Nff— Quartz Africa (@qzafrica) December 15, 2017
Really sad news the passing of @calestous. Great thinker, generous with his knowledge and insight. And a great model for accessible academia.#RIPCalestous— tolu ogunlesi (@toluogunlesi) December 15, 2017
3 days before the Aug.8 elections, Calestous sent me a message, “You'll start a new bench for those who want to side with integrity and courage in politics.” He is gone but our generation shall do that! He was a source of knowledge and inspiration. #RIPCalestous pic.twitter.com/1xXRXCqwOm— Boniface Mwangi (@bonifacemwangi) December 16, 2017
Kenyan Havard Prof. @calestous Juma dies aged 64! Kenya and the world has lost a great mind of gigantic professionalism #RIPCalestous pic.twitter.com/ds4Gtu2D55— Wakili Ochieng (@ItsOchieng) December 15, 2017
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