The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) community is mourning the sudden passing of Dr. Stella Nyambura Mbau, a lecturer in the Department of Construction Management.
Dr. Mbau died peacefully in her sleep on September 6, 2025.
Dr. Mbau joined JKUAT in December 2022 as a full-time lecturer, where she was celebrated for her dedication to teaching and mentoring students.
Beyond the classroom, she was deeply engaged in climate resilience research, with a particular focus on rural sub-Saharan Africa.
Also, she served as a project coordinator at the Abundant Earth Foundation, where she worked on the Agroforestry Regeneration Communities initiative, advancing sustainable land use and climate adaptation strategies.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is saddened to announce the death of Dr. Stella Nyambura Mbau, which occurred on September 6, 2025, in her sleep.
At the time of her demise, she worked in the Department of Construction Management.
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Life Beyond JKUAT
Born in 1988, Dr. Mbau was the beloved daughter of Elias Mbau and Martha Wanjiru, sister to Dennis Kamau, Donald Mwangi, and the late Michael Gitau.
Her funeral service will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at ACK Kaharo Church, followed by her interment at Kaharo Village, Nginda Location, Murang’a County.
Her family indicated in a notice that the cortege will leave Montezuma Funeral Home, Kabati, at 8:00 a.m. on the same day.
In their announcement, JKUAT expressed deep sorrow at her loss, describing her as a dedicated academic whose work in climate resilience and construction management has left an indelible mark on the institution and beyond.
On the other hand, at 31, she was already the Founder and CEO of LOABOWA Ltd, a consultancy dedicated to advancing climate resilience in Africa.
Dr. Mbau was also committed to youth-led climate action. She was a strategist with the Mother Earth Project, a coalition of African activists pushing for climate justice and stronger global commitments.
In 2020, she extended her leadership to the global stage by playing an active role in Mock COP26 (mockcop.org), a virtual youth conference created to fill the gap left by the postponement of the official UN climate talks.
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Dr. Stella Nyambura Mbau’s Educational Journey
Dr. Stella Nyambura Mbau began her academic journey at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from 2007 to 2011.
She later advanced her studies at the University of Nairobi, earning a Master’s Degree in Construction Management between 2012 and 2015.
Her research focused on environmental sustainability within the built environment, through her project “Grey Water for Greening.”
Additionally, Dr. Mbau later enrolled at the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU/APIIT), where she completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Technology with a specialization in climate resilience from 2016 to 2019.
Her doctoral research, “Plastic Waste Pollution from Our Built Environment,” highlighted her commitment to addressing climate and environmental challenges within construction and urban planning.
During her PhD, she actively engaged in academic life as part of the Graduate School Council and contributed to projects such as the development of a flash flood nowcasting system for rural Africa.
In addition to her formal degrees, Dr. Mbau broadened her expertise through professional development initiatives.
She participated in the Future Females Empowerment Initiatives between March and June 2021, focusing on business and commerce skills.
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