By Robert Mutasi 
The University of Eldoret is mourning the death of Professor Philip Okoth Raburu, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor in charge of Planning, Research and Extension.
Raburu died at around 4.30am on Monday, September 28, at Eldoret Hospital after an illness, according to his family.
His death was confirmed by Willis Owino-Ong’or, who described the late professor as his first cousin, brother in Christ and close friend.
Owino-Ong’or said Raburu had remained hopeful during his illness but appeared to have anticipated his death a day before he passed away.
The news of his death has also elicited messages of condolence from the University of Eldoret community, with students and colleagues remembering him for his contribution to research, academic development and student affairs.
UoE Students’ President Faith Cherotich described Raburu as a mentor and father figure whose influence extended beyond his administrative responsibilities.
She said his commitment to research, innovation and student development would remain an important part of his legacy at the university.
Raburu was an associate professor of Aquatic Resources and Environmental Management and had built a career spanning teaching, research, university administration and community development.
He was born in Migingo Village, Kadibo Division, Kisumu County, where he began his education at Migingo Primary School before proceeding to Maranda High School and later Maseno High School.
He joined Kenyatta University and graduated in 1986 with an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Bachelor of Education Science, specialising in Botany and Zoology.
He later pursued postgraduate studies in environmental and aquatic sciences, earning a Master of Science in Hydrobiology and doctoral qualifications in Environmental Studies.
Before entering university academia, Raburu taught at Moi Teachers’ College, Siriba Teachers’ Training College and Kisii Diploma Teacher Training College for eight years.
He joined Moi University in 1994 as an assistant lecturer in the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science and rose through the academic ranks.
He later joined the University of Eldoret, where he became an associate professor in January 2015.
During his career at the university, Raburu held several administrative and student leadership roles, including serving as a hall warden, postgraduate coordinator and member of the student disciplinary committee.
He also served on various university committees dealing with student strikes, student elections, strategic planning, performance contracting and institutional governance.
Raburu served as a university senator for 12 years across Moi University and the University of Eldoret and was involved in student affairs as a patron of several student organisations, including the Christian Union.
His academic contribution included supervising five PhD students and 41 master’s students. He also examined several postgraduate students locally and internationally.
At the time of his death, Raburu had published 51 articles in refereed journals and one book.
Beyond the university, he was involved in environmental conservation and community development. He had more than two decades of experience working with local communities and civil society organisations.
He was the founding director of Victoria Institute for Research on Environment and Development International, a national non-governmental organisation.
Raburu also served as national chairman of the Kenya Nile Basin Discourse Forum and regional vice chairman of the Nile Basin Discourse, representing the interests of communities across the 10 Nile Basin countries.
He further served as regional chairman of the Human Resource Development Working Group during the first phase of the Fisheries Management Plan for Lake Victoria.
His death leaves the University of Eldoret community mourning an academic whose career combined teaching, research, administration and environmental advocacy.