Prof Phillip Raburu, who was the University of Eldoret (UoE) Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Planning, Research and Extension, died on Monday after an illustrious career in academia and environmental conservation.
Apart from his intellectual life, various groups and individuals said Raburu was a dedicated Christian and a mentor par excellence. A generation of Christians nicknamed him ‘God is Good’. He had “titles and achievements” but chose a life of sacrifice and was “completely sold out to God”.
The UoE Christian union eulogised him, saying it was “grateful for the impact he made through his words, knowledge, and commitment to nurturing others.”
He was the younger brother of former powerful provincial commissioner Peter Raburu.
Prof Raburu’s death was confirmed on Monday, September 28, 2026, prompting an outpouring of condolences from family, colleagues and the University of Eldoret community.
His first cousin, Willis Owino-Ong’or, said Raburu died at about 4.30am on September 28 at Eldoret Hospital and had repeatedly said he wanted to go “home” the day before he breathed his last.
Who was Raburu?
Raburu was an associate professor of Aquatic Resources and Environmental Management whose career spanned university teaching, research, consultancy, environmental conservation and community development.
He was born and raised in Migingo Village of Kisumu County.
Raburu began his education at Migingo Primary School then went to Maranda and Maseno for his O- and A-level education.
He later joined Kenyatta University, where he graduated in 1986 with an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Bachelor of Education (Science), specialising in Botany and Zoology.
Raburu obtained a Master of Science in hydrobiology from the University of Nairobi and a PhD in Environmental Studies from Moi University.
He had a long career in fisheries, natural resources and environmental management and later lectured at Moi Teachers College, Siriba and Kisii.
He was accepted at Moi University as an assistant lecturer in 1994 in the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, rising to become an associate professor at the University of Eldoret in January 2015.
Raburu held academic and administrative roles at Moi University and the University of Eldoret, including working as postgraduate coordinator, hall warden and member of the student disciplinary committee.
He supervised five PhD students and 41 others in MSc and examined four PhD and 40 MSc students locally and across nations.
Raburu participated in many research projects and consultancies in Kenya and the region, many of them as the lead consultant.
He was heavily published in refereed journals, leaving a tally of 51 articles and a book.
Outside university, he left footprints in environmental conservation and community development. He was the first director of the Victoria Institute for Research on Environment and Development International and served as the national chairman of the Kenya Nile Basin Discourse Forum.
He served as vice chairman of the Nile Basin Discourse, overseeing the 10 countries within the Basin.
At one time, Raburu chaired the Human Resource Development Working Group during the first phase of the Fisheries Management Plan for Lake Victoria where he worked with local communities, civil society organisations and government agencies.
He contributed to the development and review of national policies and regulations relating to fisheries, natural resources and the environment.
At Moi University and the University of Eldoret, he served as head of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science.
While he was at the helm, among other milestones, the department collaborated with the Uasin Gishu County Government to establish a fish hatchery to provide fingerlings to local farmers.
UoE president Faith Cherotich described Raburu as “a mentor, a father figure, and a true servant of knowledge. His dedication to research, innovation and student growth will never be forgotten.”
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