Meet Rachel Ruto, Matiang’i, Wanga, Ombachi and Other Popular Kenyatta University Alumni

Kenyatta University has consistently produced some of the country’s most prominent alumni and built a lasting legacy through their achievements.

Since attaining full university status on 23 August 1985, the university has nurtured leaders and professionals who have made significant contributions.

As a result, its graduates continue to represent the university with distinction.

Prominent University Alumni Figures

• Rachel Ruto

Rachel Ruto was born on November 20th in Kakamega County.

She is married to President William Ruto, and together they have six children.

She graduated from Kenyatta University with a Bachelor of Education (Arts).

In addition, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

While at Kenyatta University, she met the now President William Ruto during a University of Nairobi Christian Union rally that she had attended.

As a result, her active involvement in the Christian Union laid the foundation for her strong faith-based advocacy.

Today, she champions women’s economic empowerment and table banking through the Joyful Women Organization, which she founded.

Moreover, she is a leading advocate for environmental conservation and clean cooking initiatives.

She also launched the Mama Cycling Initiative to promote healthy living and physical fitness.

Furthermore, she regularly leads national prayer initiatives for healing and well-being.

Through her Voice of Children Initiative, she continues to advance children’s rights, education, and welfare.

• Fred Matiang’i

Fred Matiang’i was born on April 22, 1968, in Borabu, Nyamira County.

He is the youngest child in his family.

He studied at Kenyatta University, where he earned a Bachelor of Education degree.

During his university years, he was also a vocal student leader.

Later, he obtained both a master’s degree and a PhD in English and Comparative Literature from the University of Nairobi.

After completing his studies, he worked as a lecturer at Egerton University and the University of Nairobi.

In addition, he gained valuable experience through various governance and policy-making roles.

Later, as Cabinet Secretary, he spearheaded major reforms.

For instance, he strengthened Kenya’s ICT sector, introduced unannounced school inspections, protected national examinations from cheating, and improved textbook distribution.

Currently, he is a candidate for Kenya’s 2027 presidential election.

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• Gladys Wanga

Gladys Wanga was born on March 7, 1981, in Kisumu.

She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Health Management at Kenyatta University.

While there, she made history by becoming the first female Secretary-General of Kenyatta University Students Association (KUSA).

Consequently, this achievement marked the beginning of her political career.

She later earned a master’s degree in health management from the same university.

Afterwards, she was elected as the Woman Representative for Homa Bay County.

At the time, she was among the youngest women to serve in the National Assembly.

Subsequently, she was elected the third Governor of Homa Bay County, becoming one of the few women to hold the position to date.

In addition, she currently serves as the National Chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement.

From left: First Lady Rachel Ruto, former CS Fred Matian’gi, Governor Gladys Wanga, Simon Gicharu. PHOTO/Courtesy.

• Irungu Kang’ata

Irungu Kang’ata was born on February 20, 1980, in Kiharu, Murang’a County.

He initially enrolled at Kenyatta University to pursue a Bachelor of Education degree.

He later transferred to the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Bachelor of Law, a master’s in law and eventually a PhD in Law.

Today, he serves as the Governor of Murang’a County.

Besides that, he is a legal practitioner at his law firm and also lectures at The Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

Other Prominent Alumni

• Simon Gicharu

Simon Gicharu was born in 1964 in Gathiruini, Kiambu County.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Chemistry from Kenyatta University.

Afterwards, he authored Applied Mathematics for Craft Engineering, Kenya’s first post-secondary mathematics textbook.

Later, in 1995, he joined Cranfield University to study Managing Enterprise Development.

He subsequently taught at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and Thika Technical Institute.

However, after leaving the Teachers Service Commission, he began hawking milk in Thika using a pickup truck.

Eventually, he founded Mount Kenya University, becoming one of the youngest people to establish a chartered university in Kenya.

Today, the university has more than 15 campuses across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi.

Additionally, he owns Cape Media Ltd, the parent company of TV47 and Radio 47.

In Rwanda, he also owns Royal FM and Royal TV.

• Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor

Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor is an acclaimed Kenyan writer and creative.

She studied English and History at Kenyatta University.

She later earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Reading in the UK.

Furthermore, she obtained an MPhil in Creative Writing from the University of Queensland.

In 2003, she won the Caine Prize for African Writing for her short story, The Weight of Whispers.

She also wrote The Knife Grinder’s Tale, which was later adapted into a short film.

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In addition, she served as Executive Director of the Zanzibar International Film Festival from 2003 to 2005.

Later, she published the novel Dust in 2014.

Her most recent novel, The Dragonfly Sea, explores the cultures and history of the East African coast.

Dennis Ombachi

Dennis Ombachi studied Mathematics and Physical Education at Kenyatta University.

He is popularly known as The Roaming Chef.

Initially, he was a Kenya Sevens rugby player.

However, he later transitioned into culinary arts and digital content creation.

While at Kenyatta University, he played for the university’s rugby team, Black Blad RFC.

Later, he scored the winning try that helped Kenya Sevens qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

In 2022, he was named TikTok’s Top Content Creator in Africa.

Today, he hosts dining events, serves as a guest chef for brands such as Java House, and prepares traditional Kenyan meals for world leaders, including Emmanuel Macron.

Furthermore, he uses his social media platforms to advocate for mental health awareness and youth education.

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From left: Dennis Ombachi, Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Yvonne Owuor. PHOTOS/Courtesy.