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| ACADEMICS: Dr Mathias Wanyama Oggema: The first Kenyan to get a PhD in Genetics (Cytogenetics from University of Manitoba, Canada, 1971), Wheat Breeding. First African Director of a research instiutute of Kenya and youngest (at age 32, PhD at 30 years) – now KARI Njoro. First Kenyan to carry out post-doctorate studies in USSR – in “the use of Radiation in genetic modification wheat genes for leaf rust immunity (that is GMO, but over 30 years ago!). Pioneer in this field. Awardee of numerous awards (UN-FA)) including work in Ethiopia that developed a wheat variety capable of maturiry in less than 2.5months to counter the effects of the 1984 drought. He is Omusamia of the Abatabona clan. | Ida Odinga's mother, Rose Ayuya from Khwisero in Kakamega was the first African trained nurse and the first African to open a bank account in Kakamega in 1937. The account is still open until today.
 Prof Morris Sika Alala: first Kenyan professor of mathematics |
| SCHOOLS: CHAVAKALE BOYS HIGH SCHOOL was the first Harambee day secondary school in Kenya | |
| PARLIAMENT: WWW Awori was the first Luhya to enter the Legislative Council (current parliament). The Year was 1952. | |
| PARLIAMENT: Kenneth Otiato Marende from Ebusikhale, Bunyore is the first Luhya Speaker of Parliament. He was elected in Jan 2008 | |
| PARLIAMENT: John Baraza Khaoya from Bungoma was the first African Seargent at Arms of the Legislative Council (Now Parliament) | |
| EDUCATION: Mr Joseph Otiende from Maragoli was the 1st Minister of Education in Independent Kenya. The Year was 1963 | |
| EDUCATION: Christopher S Khaemba (principal Alliance Boys) is the 1st Dean of African Leadership Academy (Johannesburg). He took over in Sept. 2008. See Profile | |
| EDUCATION: Mr Nicholas Pius Wabuyabo was the first African Headmaster of St. Peter's Mumias Boys Primary School. He is now Deceased. | |
| EDUCATION: Mr William Melchizedek Okech was the 1st African Headmaster of Maseno High School. He was from Bunyore | |
| TRANSPORT: Nabongo Mumia was the first Luhya to own a bicycle and later a car | |
| COLONIAL: Elijah Masinde of Dini ya Msambwa was the first Luhya to resist colonial rule | |
| MEDICINE: Prof Hillary Ojiambo from Samia was the 1st cardiologist in sub-Saharan Africa? He is now deceased. His widow, is Dr Julia Ojiambo | |
| MEDICINE: Prof Nelson Awori from Samia pioneered renal transplant in Kenya. Now deceased | |
| MEDICINE: Dr Majale from Samia was the 1st Orthopaedic surgeon in Kenya. Now deceased | |
| MEDICINE: Prof. Gabriel Anabwani from Bunyore (Kilingili), is the first Director, Baylor College of Medicine in Gaberone, Botswana. See Profile | |
| NURSING: Rose Ayuya Oloo born in Khwisero, Kisa, was the first African Nurse. She trained in Kakamega and is the mother of Raila Odinga's wife, Ida. She is still alive. She is also the first African to open a bank account then known as Posta. | |
| INTERNET: Joseph Mukuna Ekhuya Simekha from Bunyore is the founding president of Unarete, the Africa chapter of the international organisation devoted to bridging the digital divide. See profile | |
| INTERNET: Ayisi Makatiani is co-founder of Africa Online, the largest ISP in Africa outside of South Africa. He has been voted top CEO in EA several times. | |
| MARITIME: Juvenal Joseph Muka Shiundu from Mumias is the first naval architect in Sub Saharan Africa. Profile | |
MATHEMATICS: Prof Morris Sika Alala from Butsotso was the first ethnic professor of mathematics in Kenya. Now deceased. See Profile |
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| NUTRITION: Prof Ruth Oniang'o is the first professor of nutrition in Kenya and 1st woman professor of nutrition in sub Saharan Africa. See profile | |
| WOMEN: Dr Julia Ojiambo from Funyula, Busia is the 1st Luhya MP after independence, 1st woman assistant minister in Kenya; the 1st female lecturer at University of Nairobi. Read her amazing story. See also her profile | |
| WOMEN: Mrs Priscilla Agufwana Abwavo from Maragoli is the 1st Luhya female to go sit in parliament before independence; then known as Legco. She died on November 17 2009 in Kitale. | |
| WOMEN: Prof Judi Wangalwa Wakhungu, executive director of the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) in Nairobi was first woman geologist in the Ministry of Energy and Regional Development, where her duties entailed exploring for geothermal energy in Kenya's Rift Valley. Prof. Wakhungu was also the first female petroleum geologist in the National Oil Corporation of Kenya. She was also the first female faculty member in the Department of Geology at the University of Nairobi. CLICK HERE to read her profile. | |
| WOMEN: Prof Ruth Oniang'o is the first woman professor of nutrition science in sub Saharan Africa. She is also the first professor of nutrition in Kenya. | |
CHURCH: Cardinal Maurice Michael Otunga (1923-2003) was the first and so far only Kenyan to be made a Cardinal by the Pope. Links |
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| CHURCH: Festo Olang' from Bunyore was the first African Archbishop of the Anglican Church. He was elected in 1970 and retired in 1980. He was succeeded by the Rev Dr Manasses Kuria. Archbishop Olang' is deceased. | |
| LAW: Sibi Okumu from Busia was the first African Magistrate. He was appointed in 1965 | |
| BANKING: Rose Ayuya Oloo born in Khwisero, Kisa, was the first African to open a bank account in Kakamega in 1937, the 25th person to do so. In those days it was known as Posta which later became Postbank. She's also the first trained African nurse in Kakamega and is the mother of Raila Odinga's wife, Ida. She is still alive. | |
| ACTUARIAL SCIENCE: James Olubayi, Chairman of Alexander Forbes Kenya, the financial and risk services company of South Africa, was the first Luhya to qualify as an actuary. See interview | |
