DR. TONY SIMONS, DG ICRAF PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE LATE JOSEPH NJERI OKANG’A
Joseph joined The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) in 1989 as a temporary field assistant in our Kisumu office until 2002, when he joined the National Science Foundation (NSF) from 2003 until 2006. From 2007 until 2009 he worked with Millennium Villages Project (MVP) as a Field Technician. In 2011 he rejoined ICRAF and worked with the Climate Change and Food Security (CCAFS) programme as a Field Assistant in charge of overseeing the implementation of the activities at farmers’ level, which he did with great commitment and devotion.
He always took his time to interact with farmers and liked to elaborate on various subjects with them, to the extent that farmers were wondering how knowledgeable Joseph was. At community level, he was involved with the Bunyore Community Development Organization as a member of the project implementing committee and signatory to their bank account.
Joseph had a very positive social attitude - this was very much missed by his colleagues and those who interacted with him.
Due to the nature of his work, he would come back to the Kisumu office once a week, mainly on Fridays to join his colleagues for the Friday afternoon tea/coffee. Joseph was always very polite and in a good mood; his colleagues never saw him angry.
Some messages from colleagues who worked very closely with Joseph:
I do not know how to say this…
I worked with Joseph Njeri Okang’a for more than two years (starting in late 1994) while working on the reproductive biology of Grevillea robusta at Malava, Kakamega. Joseph, nicknamed ‘Likungune’ an active visitor to Grevillea flowers for nectar; was a dynamic, dedicated, faithful and intelligent technician. Njeri was not only an excellent assistant, but also a faithful friend. While in Malava, he introduced me to his immediate family and other relatives whom I respect a lot. To Rachel and children, parents, relatives and Njeri’s friends be strong …we are with you in prayers. Kwaheri…May God the Almighty rests Njeri’s soul in peace’
Antoine Kalinganire, WCA, (Mali)
…… I knew Joseph and his dear wife from long ago. I did not even know he was still with ICRAF. Oh this is very sad!!!
Sara Namirembe, ICRAF, HQ.
ICRAF and in particular the CCAFS programme have lost a great staff.
To Rachel and the children, we share in your grief and pray to Almighty God to give you strength and courage to carry on from where Joseph has left.
May God rest his soul in eternal peace.
Tony Simons, PhD
Director General
21st December 2012.
Joseph was laid to rest at his home in Esabalu Village, Emuhaya District in Western Province on 21st December 2012.
The funeral was attended by 30 staff members from Kisumu Office, farmer representatives from Lower Nyando (where he worked until this fateful day), MVP representatives from both Kisumu Office and Sauri Village, Siaya, World Neighbours, and VI Agroforestry. ILRI (CCAFS project) was represented by James Kinyangi, John Recha and Philip Kimeli.
The family, through Joseph’s wife Rachel, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to ICRAF for the material, financial and moral support during this difficult period. She said that the family was touched by ICRAF’s large presence during the funeral.
We would like to thank Georges and the Kisumu team for their contribution and excellent coordination of all the arrangements from the scene of the accident until Joseph was laid to rest. We also thank SLT, HRU, CCAFS, GRP5 and Jeremias for their support and generous contribution towards this worthy cause.
PICTORIAL:
ICRAF Staff view the body of the late Joseph Njeri Okang’a at his home in Esabalu Village
Rose Onyango reads the tribute by Tony Simons, ICRAF Director General
Joseph’s family listens to the eulogies
