Celebrating the Life of a Phenomenal Woman
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Lusike A. Wasilwa, who served as Director of Crop Systems at the Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Headquarters, Nairobi.
She was the beloved daughter of Engineer Festus Wasilwa and the late Damaris Kinavadoli Wasilwa, of Brigadier, Tongaren, Bungoma County. Cherished sister to the late Dr. Harrison Wanjala, Ms. Jane Muthua, Mr. Victor Simiyu, and Ms. Mary Simiyu. A loving aunt to Dr. Timina Wasilwa, Josslyn Khalayi, Rebecca Namweyi Wasilwa, Sydney Wasilwa, Ann Mariga Bonareri, Gloria Mariga Bonareri, amongst others.
At the KALRO Food Crops Research Centre (formerly NARL Kabete), Waiyaki Way, on the following dates:
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Daily at the family home in Brigadier, Tongaren, Bungoma County.
Will take place at United Kenya Club (UKC), State House Road, on Tuesday, 30 September, 2025 starting at 5:30 p.m.
Contributions towards Dr. Lusike Wasilwa Funeral Fund can be channeled to:
Paybill Number: 6711236
Account Number: Your Name
Memorial Service: Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Friends Church, Ngong Road.
Cortege Departure: Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 10:00pm from KALRO Food Crops Research Centre (formerly NARL Kabete), Waiyaki Way for Brigadier, Tongaren, Bungoma County.
Burial Service: Saturday, October 4, 2025, starting at 9:00 a.m. at the family home in Brigadier, Tongaren, Bungoma County.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
Psalm 116:15
Her gentle heart and graceful spirit will be dearly missed, yet her memory will forever shine in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Dr Lusike A. Wasilwa was born on 22 June 1963 in Nakuru County, Kenya. She was the second born daughter to the late Mrs Damaris Kinavadoli Wasilwa and Engineer Festus Wasilwa....
Lusike pursued an undergraduate degree in agriculture at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton between 1982 and 1985. She enjoyed her classes in agriculture tremendously...
Lusike’s professional career, spanning nearly four decades, began with her recruitment as a plant breeder at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute’s (KARI) National Horticultural...
Lusike served in numerous high-profile roles, with influence extending across Africa and beyond. She chaired and convened major scientific gatherings, including the First All Africa...
Among Lusike’s enduring legacies was her steadfast commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists. As a pioneer fellow then mentor in the AWARD fellowship...
Lusike loved her family deeply, and each member held a special place in her heart. She often spoke of her father as her greatest role model, describing him as a principled...
Lusike had been unwell for some time, and after several hospital visits and extensive tests, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition known as Sjögren's Syndrome...
Heartfelt memories shared in honor of her love, her strength, and the enduring impact of her life
