Dr Mary Assumpta Ndarua is the co-founder of Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology (KWUST), an institution established to expand women’s access to higher education, particularly in science and technology.
However, she began her work in education before the university was established. Together with her late husband, Dr Paul Gachanga Ndarua, she helped set up St. Lucie Kiriri Girls’ Secondary School, which opened in February 1992 with seven students.
The secondary school’s official history offers a glimpse into Mary’s contribution. It describes her as a seasoned agriculturalist who has supplied the school with food products since its establishment and organised its menu, which remains one of the institution’s longstanding features.
Her husband, an architect with a construction background, led the development of the school’s facilities. Construction began in August 1991, and the first phase was completed in February 1992, ahead of the school’s opening.
The couple’s work at St. Lucie Kiriri preceded their involvement in university education. Their experience establishing and running the school was part of a longer commitment to girls’ education that later extended to Kiriri Women’s University.
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How Mary Assumpta Ndarua Helped Build Kiriri Women’s University
KWUST identifies the late Dr Paul Gachanga Ndarua as its founder and visionary, while Mary is recognised as its co-founder.
The university’s focus on women’s higher education reflects an effort to give women opportunities for academic and professional development, particularly in science and technology.
At the heart of KWUST’s mission is the empowerment of women in science and technology. As the only women’s university in East and Southern Africa, KWUST offers academic programs designed to equip women with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in STEM fields.
The university fosters intellectual growth and nurtures talent in areas like mathematics, computer science, business administration, and education.
Mary says the university’s founding vision was rooted in the belief that educating women could impact more than the individual, extending to families, communities, and the country.
That message remains central to the institution’s work, including its focus on producing high-achieving, professional and ethical women leaders.
“The vision that gave birth to Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology (KWUST) was founded on a profound belief: That when a woman is given access to quality education, she is empowered not only to transform her own life, but also to shape the destiny of her family, community and nation,” she said.
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Her message to KWUST graduates
Mary’s message at the university’s 18th Graduation Ceremony in 2026 offered a glimpse into her views on education and the responsibilities that come with it.
Held under the theme “Educated to Innovate, Empowered to Transform,” the ceremony celebrated graduates completing their studies at the institution.
In her message, Mary urged graduates to think boldly, lead ethically and apply their knowledge to practical challenges. She also emphasised that education should benefit not only the individual but also families, communities and the country.
She encouraged the graduates to uphold integrity, create opportunities and use their skills to make a positive difference in society.
Her message paired responsibility with academic achievement, urging graduates to consider how they could use their education beyond the university.
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