Odhiambo, Thomas Risley

▪ 2004

      Kenyan entomologist (b. Feb. 4, 1931, Alego, Nyanza province, Kenya Colony—d. May 26, 2003, Nairobi, Kenya), was one of Africa's foremost scientists; he was renowned for his research into nonchemical methods of agricultural insect control and was a pioneer in the promotion of indigenous African scientific education and research. Odhiambo studied at Makerere (Uganda) University College and Queen's College, Cambridge. He was the founding director general (1970–94) of the multidisciplinary, Nairobi-based International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, the first dean (from 1990) of the University of Nairobi's department of agriculture, and founding president (1986–99) of the African Academy of Sciences. Among his numerous international awards was the African Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger (1987).

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