Vice-Chancellor-UoN Prof. Jesang Hutchinson reads Prof. Jane Ambuko’s citation On Food Loss and Waste Part 1

‘Prof. Ambuko’s personal journey is one of extraordinary resilience and faith. After completing high school in 1990, she was belatedly diagnosed with end-stage renal failure and began undergoing peritoneal and later haemodialysis twice a week at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). When it was time to join the University of Nairobi, she had lost hope due to her ill health. However, her parents, Lay leader Jonathan Ambuko and the late Rev. Sarah Ambuko, encouraged her to take the opportunity as the first girl from her village to attend University ‘

Against all odds, she reported to the Upper Kabete campus and reluctantly started her BSc Agriculture program. Initially convinced she couldn’t manage the course due to the physical demands, she consulted the Faculty Dean, Prof. Daniel Mukunya, who encouraged her to stay. Throughout her first year, her life was divided between lectures, KNH, and the student health services. By the grace of God, she completed her first year without supplementary examinations, despite her deteriorating health.

As dialysis took its toll, doctors advised that only a kidney transplant could save her. Her siblings willingly underwent compatibility assessments, and only Winfred Opisa was cleared as a donor. Winfred selflessly donated her kidney, and on January 12, 1993, both sisters underwent the life-saving surgery. Prof. Ambuko is eternally grateful to Winfred and her family for their sacrifices and support during her ordeal.

She also appreciates the care from the renal team at KNH, her classmates who provided lecture notes during her absences, and her roommate, Mrs. Alice Kainyu Miano, who was a constant source of support. Her gratitude extends to her husband, Prof. Willis Owino, and mentors who guided her career growth.

This experience marked a turning point, and she emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude, dedicating her life to service and academic excellence. Join her in acknowledging the faithfulness of God in her life— “See what the Lord has done.”