Harvard University is one of the best and well well-known universities in the world. The university is a private Ivy League Research University located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.
Founded on October 28, 1636, and named for its first benefactor, clergyman John Harvard, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.
Its influence, wealth, and rankings have made it one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
The university offers an extensive academic opportunity, with over 3,700 courses available across its various schools and departments.
These courses span more than 50 undergraduate fields of study, known as concentrations, many of which are interdisciplinary.
However, there are several prominent Kenyans who studied there and graduated in different courses, among them are Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, Kiraitu Murungi, the Late Chris Kirubi, Prof. Makau Mutua among others.
List of Kenyans who went to Harvard
Prof. Kivutha Kibwana
Prof. Kivutha Kibwana was the governor of Makueni County from 2013 to 2022. He attended Machakos School for his O and A levels and holds a Bachelor of law degree from the University of London and a Master of Law degree from Harvard University.
Kiraitu Murungi
Kiraitu Murungi is a prominent Kenyan politician, lawyer, and human rights advocate with a career spanning over three decades.
Born on January 1, 1952, in Kionyo Village, Meru County, he has held various significant positions in Kenya’s political landscape including the position of a governor in Meru between 2017 and 2022.
He was a member of Parliament and minister in during President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure.
Kiraitu graduated with a Bachelor of Law Degree from the University of Nairobi in 1977 and attained a masters law qualification from the same university in 1982.
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He then proceeded to Harvard University where he pursued Master’s Degree in Law. He is also an author.
Adan Mohamed
Adan Mohammed served as Cabinet Secretary for Industrialization and Enterprise Development in Kenya during the former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s term.
Prior to his appointment in 2013 Adan worked at Barclays Africa.
He graduated with master’s in business administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School.
Additionally, he was responsible for brand and marketing corporate communications and citizenship across Barclays Africa Business.
Prof. Makau Mutua
Professor Mutua is a Kenyan scholar who has interests in politics, human rights, and law. He unsuccessfully applied for the chief justice position in 2016.
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Mutua previously served as the dean of the State University of New York Buffalo School of Law.
Apart from holding a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Dar es Salaam, he holds a Doctor of Juridical Science from the prestigious Harvard University.
In April 2025, President William Ruto appointed Makau Mutua as his Constitutional Affairs advisor.
Mutua is a close ally of opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Henry Rotich
Henry K. Rotich is a Kenyan economist and career civil servant who served as the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury from May 2013 to January 2020 under President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Born in 1969 in Kimwarer, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Rotich holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in economics from the University of Nairobi, as well as a master’s in public administration from Harvard Kennedy School.
The late Chris Kirubi
The late Chris Kirubi, EBS, was a well-known business mogul with over 40 years of business experience in and investments in hospitality industry as well as the field of media and communications.
He served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Capital Group.
In 2015, he was crowned Africa CEO of the year at the at Africa CEO Forum Awards and was appointed as a member of Harvard University’s Global Advisory Council in 2012.
He was an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
Kirubi died on June 14, 2021, at the age of 80 after battling colon cancer.
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