UN-Kenya Names Ndurumo (’73) Person of the Year
A lifetime devoted to deaf education, advocacy, inclusion, and Christian service earns one of Kenya’s highest honors for a member of the Academy’s Class of 1973.
United Nations-Kenya awarded Dr. Michael Ndurumo (’73) its highest honor, recognizing him as 2025 Person of the Year.
Director-General Zainab Hawa Bangura presented the award on UN Day, October 24, 2025, in Nairobi. “Professor Ndurumo’s story is one of courage and conviction, of a man who turned silence into a language, and isolation into inclusion,” Bangura announced. “He has given voice to millions who were once unheard, an inspiration to us all!”
Dr. Stephen Jackson, UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya, added, “Professor Ndurumo’s life reminds us that inclusion is not charity, it is justice. He took the silence that life imposed on him and transformed it into a language that has given millions the power to learn, to work, and to belong.”
The distinguished educator was honored for decades of contribution to disability rights and inclusive education. Born in 1952, at age eight he contracted meningitis and became unable to hear or speak. Nevertheless, he grew to transform communication, education, and equality throughout East Africa.
“Professor Ndurumo’s life reminds us that inclusion is not charity, it is justice.”Dr. Stephen Jackson · UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya
An education that became a lifetime of service
The path that eventually brought Dr. Ndurumo to national and international prominence included a pivotal chapter at Harrison Chilhowee Baptist Academy.
Harrison Chilhowee Baptist Academy
Southern Baptist missionaries arranged for Michael to enroll in Harrison Chilhowee Baptist Academy. Academy President Hubert Smothers had developed a program for hearing-impaired students with extensive support services and interpreters. HCBA became known for its deaf choir that performed in churches throughout Tennessee.
Graduation and Gallaudet
Following his high school graduation, Michael enrolled in Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.
Peabody College
In 1976 he transferred to Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In 1980 he earned the Ph.D. in Educational Administration with concentrations in Psychology and Special Education.
Gardner-Webb University
He began his teaching career at Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina.
Kenya Institute of Education
In 1982 he returned to Kenya where, for the next 21 years, he served in the Kenya Institute of Education, rising to Deputy Director and Head of Special Education. He was the first professor of deaf education to serve in East Africa.
During his tenure in the national office, he founded the Africa Institute of Deaf Studies and Research.
Moi University
Early retirement allowed him to join the Department of Educational Psychology at Moi University in Eldoret. There he led development of the M.A. and Ph.D. programs.
University of Nairobi
In 2009 he joined University of Nairobi. He retired as full Professor in April 2022.
Transforming education, communication, and public policy
Across decades of scholarship and public service, Dr. Ndurumo helped reshape opportunities for deaf people in Kenya and throughout East Africa.
Kenyan Sign Language
Developed Kenyan Sign Language, now the national sign language of Kenya and used throughout East Africa.
Sign Language on Television
Drafted the law requiring TV stations in Kenya to include sign language interpretation during news bulletins.
Distance Education
Developed the first distance education course in special education for the University of Nairobi.
University Instruction
Taught sign language and principles of total communication at Daystar University and Maseno University.
Author
Authored two textbooks, including Exceptional Children: Developmental Consequences and Intervention. A third book is in production.
African Annals of the Deaf
Co-founder in 2001 and Editor-in-Chief of African Annals of the Deaf.
National Advocacy
Founding Chair of the Kenya National Association of the Deaf.
Public Policy
Publisher of Deaf Education, Advocacy and Public Policy.
There is no “retirement” on the horizon.
Clearly, there is no “retirement” on the horizon for Dr. Ndurumo. As he has for decades, he remains active in the deaf Christian community of Kenya.
He also continues to visualize a university for the deaf in Africa, a dream now shared by Kenya Society for Deaf Children. Additionally, he is working on his autobiography.
The Academy connection continued into another generation.
Dr. Ndurumo’s wife, Mercy, has spoken on the TKA campus herself. She resigned from her 35-year teaching and administrative career in 2018.
She volunteers at their church, Nairobi Chapel Karen, and continues to pursue her passion to disciple Christian young people. In her spare time, she raises potatoes and fruit outside Nairobi.
Their two sons, Jesse (’06) and Sam (’08), followed in their father’s footsteps at the Academy.
Jesse subsequently studied International Relations and Business Management. He currently focuses on dairy farming on his late grandfather’s farm in Nairobi, specializing in the production of organic yogurt. He has his own company and is also active in neighborhood development affairs.
Sam studied Accounting, Events Management, and Digital Marketing. He owns his own company and does event organization, website development, and marketing for high-end clients.
He also handles project management for the Africa Institute of Deaf Studies and Research.
A foundation that began in 1971
More than five decades after arriving at Harrison Chilhowee Baptist Academy, Dr. Ndurumo continues to recognize the Academy community as part of the foundation upon which his life and work were built.
“I thank HCBA/TKA for the support and encouragement given to me and my entire family since 1971. The support has been a foundation to our achievements.”
From the Academy to an impact felt across East Africa
Dr. Michael Ndurumo’s story stretches from a young student arriving at Harrison Chilhowee Baptist Academy to classrooms, universities, government offices, churches, research institutes, and communities throughout Kenya and East Africa.
The 2025 UN-Kenya Person of the Year Award recognizes decades of achievement. Yet Ndurumo’s continuing work in advocacy, Christian service, research, writing, and higher education makes clear that his story is still being written.
