Bio

Name	Lawrence George Sagini
Lived	January 01, 1926 — August 01, 1995
Birthplace	Kisii, Kenya
Field	Education, Politics, Statesmanship
Known for	Being Kenya's first Minister for Education in the post-independence government under President Jomo Kenyatta

Alma Mater

BA.Hons.	Allegheny College
Dip.	Kagumo TEachers College
Sec.	Mangu School
Pri.	KIsii Government African School

Lawrence George Sagini

Lawrence George Sagini was a pioneering Kenyan politician, educationist, and statesman who played a key role in shaping post-independence Kenya. Born in 1926 in Kisii County, Sagini became one of the first highly educated leaders from the Gusii community and a symbol of intellectual and political progress in the region. His journey from education to national politics marked him as a visionary leader committed to social transformation through knowledge and community empowerment.

Lawrence George Sagini began his early education at Kisii Government African School before earning a scholarship to Mangu High School, where his brilliance quickly became evident. Determined to pursue higher education, he enrolled at Kagumo Teachers College and graduated with a Diploma in Teaching. His deep passion for education drove him to achieve more. In 1948, he passed the Cambridge School Certificate and earned a prestigious scholarship from the Institute of International Education.

This opportunity took him to the United States, where he attended Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. There, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honors), majoring in Sociology while studying Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, and History. Sagini became the first Kenyan from the Gusii community to achieve such an international milestone. His academic success inspired his lifelong mission to promote education, equality, and national development.

When Kenya gained independence in 1963, Sagini made history as the country’s first Minister for Education under President Jomo Kenyatta. In this role, he worked tirelessly to expand access to learning across the nation. He supported the establishment of schools in rural areas and prioritized the training of teachers to meet growing educational needs. Through his leadership, Kenya began shaping a vision for universal education and a skilled population.

As the Member of Parliament for Nyaribari, Sagini remained deeply committed to his community. He championed infrastructure development, agricultural progress, and youth empowerment. His humility, integrity, and calm approach to politics earned him respect across party lines.

Beyond his public roles, Sagini believed strongly in ethical leadership and unity. He consistently urged Kenyans to reject corruption and tribalism while embracing accountability and justice.

Today, his legacy endures through the institutions he strengthened and the values he lived by. Lawrence George Sagini remains a symbol of visionary leadership rooted in education, service, and national unity.