Professor Shem Oyoo Wandiga EBS FRSC

Shem Oyoo Wandiga was a pioneering environmental chemist, academic leader and one of Kenya's most influential scientific figures. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he helped shape modern chemical sciences, environmental research and higher education in Kenya and across Africa.

Wandiga began his education in western Kenya before travelling to the United States as part of the generation of African students whose lives were transformed through overseas educational opportunities in the years surrounding independence. He studied at Pine Forge Institute in Pennsylvania before earning a BSc in Chemistry from Howard University, an MSc from the University of Maryland, and a PhD from Case Western Reserve University in 1972.

Returning to Kenya that same year, he joined the University of Nairobi, where he became Professor of Chemistry and later held numerous leadership positions, including Chair of the Department of Chemistry, Principal of the College of Biological and Physical Sciences, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor. He subsequently founded the University's Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation, helping establish Kenya as a recognised centre for climate and environmental research.

Professor Wandiga's scientific contributions spanned environmental chemistry, climate change, atmospheric science and pollution research. Through more than 135 publications and extensive international collaborations, he helped advance understanding of environmental challenges facing Africa while ensuring that African scientists played a prominent role in global scientific discussions.

His influence extended well beyond research. He served as Chancellor of Egerton University, chaired several university councils, led the Kenya National Academy of Sciences, represented Kenya on UNESCO's Executive Board, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Pan Africa Chemistry Network, which continues to strengthen chemistry across the continent. His achievements earned numerous honours, including the Order of the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) from the government of Kenya, the UNESCO Medal Prize and Fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Above all, Professor Wandiga will be remembered as a mentor, institution builder and public servant whose integrity, humility and commitment to education inspired generations of scientists and leaders. His legacy endures in the institutions he helped create the students he guided and the enduring impact of his contributions to science and society.