Harvard University has long stood as a global institution where brilliance meets opportunity; a place where ambitions are sharpened and international networks forged.
Over the years, several Kenyans have passed through Harvard’s corridors, returning home with new expertise and fresh perspectives that would later shape their paths in law, politics, business, governance and public service.
The stories of these individuals reflect not just personal achievement but a cross‑continental journey of education and national impact.
Kivutha Kibwana
Prof Kivutha Kibwana earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Harvard University between August 1983 and June 1984. Before that, he had completed a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Nairobi, further pursued a Master of Laws at the University of London, and later earned a Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) from George Washington University.
Read More
After Harvard and his subsequent studies, Kibwana returned to Kenya and spent over two decades as a law lecturer at the University of Nairobi, rising to Associate Professor, later Dean of the Faculty of Law, and chairing the Department of Private Law. He was a prominent voice in Kenya’s push for constitutional reform during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Kibwana entered elective politics in 2003 as Member of Parliament for Makueni Constituency, later serving in ministerial roles including Minister for Lands and Settlement and Minister for Environment and Natural Resources. In 2013, he was elected the first Governor of Makueni County, a post he held through two terms until August 2022. In 2025, he returned to academia, taking up a professorship at Daystar University’s Law School to teach a Master of Laws programme.
Kiraitu Murungi
Kiraitu Murungi completed a second Master of Laws (LL.M.) at Harvard Law School in 1991 during a period of exile, after earning his earlier law degrees (LL.B. and a first LLM) at the University of Nairobi.
On his return, Murungi built a career rooted in legal advocacy and politics. He started as an advocate at the High Court and law lecturer, then co‑founded a prominent law firm. From 1992 to 2013, he represented South Imenti in Parliament, becoming one of the most vocal and influential lawmakers during Kenya’s push for multiparty democracy.
Murungi went on to hold key Cabinet positions: Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs (2003–2005), then Minister of Energy (2008–2013) under President Mwai Kibaki. Later, under the 2010 Constitution, he was elected Senator of Meru (2013-2017) and Governor of Meru 2017 - 2022.
Henry K. Rotich
Henry Rotich holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Harvard Kennedy School, along with earlier economics degrees from the University of Nairobi.
He began his public service career in Kenya’s finance sector, including work at the Central Bank and in macroeconomic roles at the Treasury. In March 2006, he became Head of Macroeconomics at the Ministry of Finance, a role he retained until May 2013.
In May 2013, under President Uhuru Kenyatta, Rotich was appointed Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, a position he held until January 2020. During his tenure, he oversaw national budgeting, fiscal policy, debt management, and major infrastructure financing decisions.
Adan Mohamed
Adan Mohamed earned an MBA from Harvard Business School after finishing a Bachelor of Commerce with first-class honours at the University of Nairobi.
With his Harvard training, he entered the corporate world: he held senior positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers in London and later served as Chief Administrative Officer for Barclays Africa, managing operations across multiple countries.
In 2013, drawing on his business acumen and global exposure, Mohamed was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Industrialisation and Enterprise Development. Over time, he also served as Cabinet Secretary for the East African Community and Regional Development, playing a role in regional integration, trade and industrial policy.
Makau Mutua
Prof Makau Mutua earned a Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) from Harvard Law School in 1987, and later served as Associate Director of Harvard’s Human Rights Program from 1991 to 1996.
He moved into academia in the United States, joining the faculty of SUNY Buffalo Law School in 1996 and later serving as Dean (2008–2014). During this time, he published widely on constitutionalism, human rights and international law.
In April 2025, Prof Mutua returned to the Kenyan public sphere when he was appointed Senior Adviser on Constitutional Affairs to President William Ruto, bringing his decades of legal scholarship and human‑rights perspective into national governance.
Chris Kirubi
The late Dr Christopher John Kirubi was an alumnus of Harvard Business School. Over his career, he emerged as one of Kenya’s most successful businessmen: he chaired Capital Group, held major investments and leadership roles across media, manufacturing, real estate and finance, and was a leading figure in Kenyan corporate entrepreneurship for decades.
At various points, Kirubi served on international advisory boards, including the Harvard Global Advisory Council, and maintained widespread influence in both national and continental business circles. He remained active in business until his death.
