Ambassador (Eng.) Mahboub M. Maalim, the immediate former Chairperson of the Council at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), has been named one of the 100 Most Reputable Africans by Reputation Poll International (RPI), as announced in January 2025.
According to RPI ‘this annual announcement celebrates African leaders, innovators, and changemakers who have made exceptional contributions across diverse sectors, including Business, Governance, Arts, Education, and humanitarian efforts.’
The selection process for Africa’s Most Reputable People follows a rigorous methodology, assessing integrity in leadership, commitment to societal well-being, contributions to transformative projects and initiatives, as well as recognition and influence in their respective fields—criteria that aptly describe Ambassador Maalim.
Touted as an excellent agent of change, Ambassador (Eng.) Maalim, also described by scholars as the Unsung hero of the horn of Africa, has extensive experience in leadership positions and his outstanding service has been recognized in the prestigious Presidential Awards, including the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) and Chief of Burning Spear of Kenya (CBS).
This was based on the significant impact he has made locally and internationally through the various management positions he has held in government and in other organizations such as the World Bank.
Ambassador (Eng.) Maalim is the former, and longest serving Executive Secretary at Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) where he was voted in for two terms, serving from 2008 to 2019.
Previously, he served as Permanent Secretary in two government ministries, namely; Ministry of Water & Irrigation (2005-2008) and Ministry of Special Programmes in Kenya’s Office of the President, coordinating disaster risk reduction programmes, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Projects (2004-2005), among others.
In her congratulatory message, JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, lauded Ambassador Mahboub M. Maalim for his exemplary leadership and his commitment during his tenure as Chairperson of Council.
“On behalf of the JKUAT community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ambassador (Eng.) Mahboub M. Maalim on his well-deserved recognition as one of the 100 Most Reputable Africans by Reputation Poll International (RPI).
As the immediate former Chairperson of the JKUAT Council, Ambassador Maalim provided exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the university’s mission of academic excellence, innovation, and societal transformation. His dedication to integrity and impactful contributions not only elevated JKUAT but also served as an inspiration to all who worked alongside him.
This prestigious recognition is a testament to his outstanding leadership and influence, not just within JKUAT but across the continent. We celebrate his achievement and are proud to have had such a distinguished leader shaping the future of this institution.”
Reputation Poll International (RPI) will, at a later date, hold an official recognition ceremony in South Africa to celebrate this year’s honorees and explore ways to further Africa’s development.