Professor David Macharia

Professor David Macharia was the son of Paul Gatibu Kuria and Serah Njeri, and the brother of Johnson Maina Gatibu. He was brother-in-law of Jane Mukami Maina, Christine Wanjiru, the late Jacinta Nyambura, John Mburu, Catherine Wanjiku, Jennifer Kariuki, Christopher Kihanya, Simon Ndugo and Elizabeth Mwihaki.

Prof. Macharia leaves a legacy of contribution that will be felt for generations. He worked for a half century at the University of Nairobi in the field of adult education. He served for several years as the Director of the Department of Adult Education at the Ministry of Culture and Social Services, which established adult literacy centers around Kenya. He was a consultant on non-formal education in Somalia and Namibia. He passionately threw himself into several social work initiatives, including serving as a peace educator and activist with Umtapo in South Africa and as a volunteer for NGOs worldwide such as the Life Bloom Services International in Naivasha which supports sex workers. He was enduringly loyal to the Alliance High School, the Boy Scouts Movement and Arsenal FC. He believed deeply in human potential and liberation and he dedicated his life to furthering both those ideals.

Prof. Macharia was a loving husband to Helen, with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2020. He was a dedicated father to Laila, Chris and Sandra, a supportive father-in-law to Mugo and Carole and a doting grandfather to Kibati and Ciru. He loved, and was loved by, many nephews and nieces. He encouraged, amused and mentored relatives, friends, colleagues and students worldwide over his lifetime of service. Although he will be dearly missed, his family and community are at peace and feel immensely fortunate to have enjoyed his love, humour, counsel and company for over eight amazing decades.

We bid him farewell with goodwill and gratitude.

Farewell to David Macharia, the scholar who championed ‘gumbaru’ learning: https://nation.africa/kenya/news/farewell-to-david-macharia-the-scholar-who-championed-gumbaru-learning-3393498