Former Member of Parliament and Kenyan Ambassador, Professor Filemona Fundi Indire, has passed away at the age of 95.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed his death on Saturday, March 15, in a condolence message to his family, friends, and colleagues. Mudavadi described Indire as a dedicated scholar and educator who made significant contributions to Kenya’s education sector and national development.
Professor Indire, born in March 1930, served as a nominated MP between 1983 and 1988.
He was Kenya’s first professor of education and played a key role in shaping higher education in the country.
Mudavadi highlighted that Indire was instrumental in establishing Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU) and was among the first African professors appointed to the University of Nairobi after independence.
“Other than being among the first few African professors after Kenya’s independence, he was the first Professor of Education in Kenya and among the pioneer lecturers who were tasked with Africanizing the then only University of Nairobi,” said Mudavadi. He praised Indire’s patience, perseverance, and dedication to academic excellence.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula also paid tribute to Indire, acknowledging his scholarly contributions, mentorship, and service to the nation. Wetang’ula noted that Indire’s leadership in education and diplomacy had a lasting impact on Kenya.
“His diplomatic service as Kenya’s Ambassador to the Soviet Union, his tenure as a nominated Member of Parliament, and his stewardship of the National Council for Science and Technology attest to his dedication to national progress,” Wetang’ula said.
Indire served as Kenya’s Ambassador to the Soviet Union (now Russia) during President Jomo Kenyatta’s administration in the 1960s.
He later became Chairman of the National Council for Science and Technology in the 1970s and also served as the Chair of the Friends World Committee for Consultation Africa Section, a Quaker organization promoting unity among Quakers worldwide.
Beyond his leadership roles, Indire was a prolific writer and researcher. Among his works is A Comprehensive High School Curriculum Proposal for Reviewing and Revising the Program of Chavakali Secondary School, Maragoli, Kenya (1962), a study aimed at improving secondary school education in Western Kenya.
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