Tribute to Prof Norah Khadzini Olembo, the ‘graceful genius’
By Prof Julia Ojiambo
Chairperson of the Council of the University of Nairobi
Daily Nation, Monday, April 05, 2021


Today, as I reflect on Norah’s life of extraordinary achievement, no two words seem as fitting to describe this amazing woman as ‘graceful genius’. Norah was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She was a gentle caring mother, a loyal friend to me and to many, and an academician par excellence.

She was my respectful student and I am proud that she called me Mwalimu. Norah was authentic with people, saying what needed to be said because it was good for the relationship and for the soul. She offered valuable advice to her family, to her rural community, to her students and academic colleagues, and to local and international leadership in equal measure.


https://nation.africa/kenya/gender/prof-julia-ojiambo-3349328

Am so sorry you had to leave.Dear Prof.Norah Olembo- you will always be in my heart.I thank God for having you as my head of department In biochemistry and guiding me in my multidisciplinary work on indigenous vegetables of Kenya from 1985.Rest in peace dear Prof.for you accomplished one of your missions of placing intellectual property on the map of Kenya. Rest the well.-Monica Opole-former staff Department of Biochemistry.

Extremely sorry and pained to learn the passing on of my teacher in year 1 Biochemistry at Chiromo. Prof was brilliant but humble. May her soul RIP. May the family gain strength in these difficult times of loss. 

I remember her gentle smile, gentle counsel and charismatic encouragement. This is several years ago when I wanted to understand what intellectual property rights was all about. I wanted to patent some Ideas, and she gently told me that my desires were beyond the scope of the mandate of her organization, but that it was an idea to aspire to achieve. I was fulfilled, satisfied, by her genteel nature.

I met her once, but the impact is an enduring warmth in my soul.... I hope in my life, I have emulated her.....and I tried to. I deliberately tried to emulate her, as I guided my students when I taught at University.

So Prof, fare thee well.... I trust that besides the after life in the land beyond the pearl gates, there is life after death in this world....where the warmth of your heart, resonates with the lives or the living.... Where your legacy opens doors to your children, your grand children, and all those that thrive under the luminescence of your legacy

RIP Prof....

I have just learnt of Prof. Olembo's death (Prof, as we called her) and I am really sad. I owe my whole professional career life to this great woman. She was my Director at the Kenya Industrial Property Office (currently Kenya Industrial Property Institute) where I was employment as a fresh graduate right out of the university. Prof steered the institute during is infancy and formative years and supported many young professionals who were just starting out on their careers. I was one of them. Because of her support, I was able to proceed for my masters, and to later start a position with an international organization. I can't say enough about how she impacted my life and no doubt that of many others. May her soul rest in peace. 

End of era as Prof Norah Olembo is laid to rest
By Dorothy Kweyu
Daily Nation, Saturday, March 20, 2021

Yesterday marked the end of an era for the academic community in general and for Kenya’s women’s movement in particular. Prof Norah Khadzini Olembo, who passed away on March 11, was laid to rest in her matrimonial home in Bunyore, Vihiga County, after losing the battle to a cancerous tumour in her mouth that was diagnosed only 10 months ago.

https://nation.africa/kenya/blogs-opinion/opinion/end-of-era-as-prof-norah-olembo-is-laid-to-rest-3329880

Thank you for the endless and brilliant service to the University of Nairobi fraternity. Rest in Peace

You were an epitome of beauty in and out. Your smile was infectious. Your love for plants was amazing. Your passing on shocked me because the last I saw you... you were dancing . You hosted my little daughter then and myself to tea at your Lavington home and took us through your greenhouse. Rest ma greetings to B. N. Majisu. Rest in power away from pain ma!

Much love

Weep Not For Me

Weep not for me though I have gone
Into that gentle night
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul’s sweet fight

I am at peace, my soul’s at rest
There is no need for tears
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years

There is no pain, I suffer not
The fear is now all gone
Put now these things out of your thoughts
In your memory I live on

Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife
Please do not dwell upon my death
But celebrate my life.

Author Unknown.

As a veterinarian I amongst a group of persons who had the privilege of having her teach us. What was most hilarious at my time is that me and cousin Imbugi Luvai were in the same vet year and here we were having to pretend to be good in Auntie - Profs class and just like her true character no favours we had to pass. Apart from that I want to pass my love to Lynette who was my class mate in high school and Lillian, it is funny how small a circle this world can be. Rest in peace Auntie Prof and when you get to heaven show them those amazing skills you shared with us, Thank you.

Aunty, you are resting now. You lived a good life. You are loved and you showed love always. I remember meeting you for the first time as a young bride, and I thought to myself now when they speak about women with power you are the poster girl. You were always stylish in your twin set suit and a string of pearls around your neck and perfect nails when the occasion called for it. When you were chilled you would be a vision with your stylish African kaftans. You were a good Mum, a good aunt, a good wife and a good professional. You are my hero! I won't forget your kind words to me and words of advise on becoming part of a new family. Your constant support I will always cherish. You will be missed and I will always love you. Rest in peace Aunty Norah.

Rest In Peace Aunty, loved & missed.

You were a beautiful soul, one of Africa’s finest scientists. Our heartfelt condolences to Kenya’s the Olembo family on the passing of Professor Norah Khadzini Olembo. A phenomenal female scientist, one of Africa’s finest.

Briefly, the late Prof. Norah Olembo was the Executive Director of African Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum, ABSF. She held numerous scientific degrees and a PHD in biology, biochemistry, zoology, botany and physics from Kenya, the USA and the UK.

A truly amazing soul she was. I had the honor of meeting Auntie Prof. Norah Olembo a few times at the family residence in Nairobi. One of the most humbling and touching encounters was her inviting me to her home-based green-house, filled with my favorite flower plant, the Orchid. Auntie Prof. Norah spent countless times nurturing these beautiful plants.

The late Auntie Prof. Norah Olembo passion was unmatchable. Her beauty was in her caring and soft-spokenness. We enjoyed endless cups of “Luhya chai”.

Words aren’t enough to express her loss to Kenya, to Africa and the world. Prof. Norah Olembo courageously fought the good fight, may God R.I.P her beautiful soul

She was married to the late Professor Reuben James Olembo (RIP, 2005), who was also a prominent Kenyan academic, scientist and environmentalist. He was a Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP.

Our prayers with her children, who are dear friends and have been a true family to me. Big Bro Kenny, amazing sisters Lynette and Lilian, our prayers with you all, we mourn with you❤️

You were a shining star , who always brightened our lives . I will miss your smile and compassion. Go well aunty Norah.  May your memories be a blessing to the family and all of us who had the privilege of knowing you .

Always remembered with fond memories.

Prof. Norah was one of my biochemistry teachers at UoN Chiromo. Many years after I left Chiromo, Lillian her daughter invited me to their house for lunch and we had a heart chat for hours. She was always in such high spirits and such fun to chat with. A couple of years later, I attended their family New Years celebration party with her nieces and my friends Amanda Majisu and Mugumira . I had a chance to speak to her more about her stellar career as a scientist. She gave me such priceless advice on how to remain motivated in a career with constantly changing directions. I will miss her immensely. May she rest in eternal Peace.