Names Of 5 Kenyans Who Studied at Harvard and Left a Mark in Law, Politics, and Business

Harvard University has long been a place where ambitious minds from around the world meet, learn, and build networks that last a lifetime.

Over the years, several Kenyans have walked its halls and returned home with new knowledge and perspectives that shaped their careers in law, governance, business, and public service.

Kivutha Kibwana

Prof. Kivutha Kibwana earned his Master of Laws (LL.M.) at Harvard in the early 1980s after completing law degrees in Nairobi and London. He later earned a Doctor of Juridical Science in the U.S. Kibwana spent over two decades teaching law at the University of Nairobi, eventually becoming Dean of the Faculty of Law.

In 2003, he entered politics as MP for Makueni Constituency and later served as Minister for Lands and Environment. He was elected the first Governor of Makueni County in 2013 and held the post for two terms before returning to academia in 2025.

Kiraitu Murungi

Kiraitu Murungi studied at Harvard Law School during a period of exile in 1991, adding a second LL.M. to his legal qualifications. On returning to Kenya, he worked as an advocate and lecturer before entering politics.

He represented South Imenti in Parliament from 1992 to 2013, later serving as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Minister of Energy. Murungi also became Senator and Governor of Meru County, leaving a strong mark in both law and governance.

Henry Rotich

Henry Rotich earned a Master of Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School. With a strong background in economics, he began his public service career in Kenya’s Treasury and Central Bank.

In 2013, he was appointed Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, overseeing national budgets, fiscal policy, and infrastructure financing until 2020.

Adan Mohamed

Adan Mohamed completed his MBA at Harvard Business School. His corporate career included senior positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers London and Barclays Africa. In 2013, he became Cabinet Secretary for Industrialisation and later handled East African Community and regional development matters, contributing to trade and industrial policy.

Makau Mutua

Prof. Makau Mutua earned a Doctor of Juridical Science at Harvard Law and later led Harvard’s Human Rights Program. 

He taught in the U.S. and served as Dean at SUNY Buffalo Law School. In 2025, he returned to Kenya as Senior Adviser on Constitutional Affairs to President William Ruto, bringing his legal scholarship to public service.