The family of the late Prof. Shem Migot Adholla, former Chairman of the Kenyatta University Council, on October 8, 2025 honored his enduring legacy by donating his valuable personal collection of books to the Postmodern Library. The event, hosted by Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paul Wainaina, brought together university leadership, friends, and family members to celebrate the late Professor’s lifelong devotion to learning, research and public service.
The donation, comprising a wide range of books spanning various disciplines, was described as a “treasure trove of knowledge” that will enrich the university community for generations. Dr. George Njoroge, the Chief University Librarian, expressed deep gratitude to the family, noting that this generous act comes at a time when the library has been experiencing tremendous growth in its resources. He highlighted that Kenyatta University continues to rank highly among the nation’s top institutions, as reflected by the Times Higher Education rankings, particularly in library and research capacity. “Quality research has long been an area of focus, and through such donations, we are now achieving remarkable progress,” he remarked.
Mr. Kenneth Ayuko, a close friend and long-time policy advisor to the late Professor, paid a heartfelt tribute, describing him as “an intelligent man deeply passionate about education and knowledge.” Reflecting on their 26 years of collaboration, he recounted Prof. Migot Adholla’s entry into government service in 1999 during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, a period when the Professor demonstrated remarkable analytical depth in examining the pandemic’s socio-economic implications. He noted that the newly established collection in the Postmodern Library perfectly embodies the Professor’s intellectual spirit and commitment to academic excellence.
The late Professor’s widow, Ms. Isabella Pamella Ochola, expressed her family’s profound appreciation for the university’s gesture, remarking that “the books have finally found their home.” She shared insights into Prof. Migot Adholla’s academic journey, from his studies at the University of Dar es Salaam, to his scholarship at UCLA, where he earned both his Master’s and PhD degrees. “He was more inclined toward research than teaching, always surrounded by books and ideas,” she said, adding that this passion for learning was passed on to their three children, Mr. Eric Morrow, Stephanie, and Audrey Migot Adholla.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Eric Morrow reaffirmed that Kenyatta University was his father’s chosen institution for this donation. “Prof believed knowledge should live on and continue to inspire future scholars. It was his wish that these books find a proper home, and KU was that home,” he said.