COURTESY CALL BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY STAFF & STUDENTS TO THE 2ND LADY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA.

Her Excellency, Dr. Joyce G. N. Kithure hosted staff and students from the University of Nairobi’s Department of Chemistry at the Deputy President’s Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi. The visit was organized by Her Excellency’s Office as part of ongoing efforts to build strong partnerships in the advancement of science, innovation, and community-centered development. In her welcoming remarks, Her Excellency expressed heartfelt appreciation to the large delegation of faculty members, technical staff, and students who had come to congratulate her on her new national role. She emphasized that the courtesy call reflected a shared commitment to national service, innovation, and the transformative power of science in improving the lives of Kenyan communities.

Her Excellency took the opportunity to introduce the guests to her flagship initiative, SaVE Communities. She explained that the program is designed to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions that address everyday challenges such as water scarcity, environmental degradation, sanitation gaps, and health disparities. She highlighted the critical role of Chemistry and other STEM fields in providing sustainable, homegrown innovations that directly benefit Kenyan households, particularly in underserved regions.

To provide context and demonstrate ongoing progress, Her Excellency shared detailed presentations accompanied by images and videos showcasing the work already underway through SaVE Communities. This included the successful donation of food supplies and a 25,000-litre rainwater harvesting tank at Manduru Primary School in Tharaka North, as well as empowerment support extended to the Iriani Single Women Group, a collective of women working to uplift their livelihoods. These projects illustrated the initiative’s focus on enhancing food security, promoting water access, and equipping communities with tools for sustainable growth.

University staff in attendance, moved by the tangible impact of Her Excellency’s interventions, offered various pledges to support the ongoing work in Tharaka and other regions. Their commitments reflected a shared vision of strengthening the partnership between academia and communities, guided by Her Excellency’s leadership.

Addressing the gathering, the Chair of the Department of Chemistry, Prof. David Kariuki, conveyed deep gratitude to Her Excellency for hosting the delegation and affirmed the Department’s full support for the SaVE Communities initiative. He also updated Her Excellency on the ongoing renovations at the Chemistry building and invited partners and well-wishers to join in enhancing the teaching and research environment. The Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Prof. Andrew Kahonge, congratulated Her Excellency and expressed the Faculty’s commitment to contributing to the technological and innovative dimensions of the SaVE Communities project.

Overall Significance of the Event

The courtesy call symbolized the beginning of a strategic, collaborative relationship between Her Excellency’s Office and the University of Nairobi’s scientific community. It showcased Her Excellency’s passion for using science as a tool for social transformation and her dedication to uplifting marginalized communities through practical, evidence-based interventions. The engagement highlighted the shared belief that scientific knowledge especially in Chemistry and STEM holds immense potential to bridge gaps in water access, food security, environmental management, and socio-economic empowerment. It also demonstrated how national leadership, academic institutions, and community groups can work together to create impactful solutions. The event underscored Her Excellency’s commitment to championing innovation, strengthening community resilience, and inspiring a new generation of scientists to use their expertise for the greater good of the country.

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