May 4, 2020 (GIN) – Kenya’s first PhD marine scientist, Prof Mohamed Hyder, died at his home in Kizingo, Mombasa, after a long illness. The 88-year-old leaves behind a wife and three children.
After completing his undergraduate work at Makerere University, Professor Hyder moved to Scotland where he took up biology, which was his passion.
While teaching at Makerere, he conducted research in marine life and fisheries. He later got a job at the University of Nairobi where he set up and headed the College of Biological Sciences.
“Mombasa mourns the loss of one of its great sons,” commented Mombasa Gov. Hassan Joho.
“A great scholar and known to many across the world for his knowledge, wisdom, kindness and humility.”
Communication scientist Julius Kirigha, who also wrote a film about Hyder, added: “His contributions in the field of academics were great and we wish he could have stayed longer.”
