PROF. LABAN AYIEKO OGALLO

Tribute

It is with a deep sense of sadness that the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) mourns the demise of Professor Laban Ayieko Ogallo.

He was a visionary and empathic leader who raised the profile of climate science and services in East Africa and beyond. He had a passion to see climate information reach the last mile: with the end goal of climate services being used across all spheres as a decision making and planning tool at the macro and micro level. He joined IGAD as the Coordinator of the Drought Monitoring Centre, Nairobi (DMCN) in February, 2000. DMCN was formed by 24 countries from Southern and Eastern Africa in response to the devastating droughts in the region in the early 1980’s. During his tenure as the Coordinator, the IGAD Heads of State and Governments held their 10th Summit in Kampala, Uganda, where the Drought Monitoring Centre, Nairobi (DCMN) was adopted as a specialized IGAD institution.

On 13th April, 2007 through the signing of the protocol, the DMCN was renamed the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) and Prof Ogallo was appointed as the Director of the institution. Through his leadership in 2016 ICPAC was designated a World-Meteorological Organization (VVMO) Regional Climate Centre (RCC) for Eastern Africa. He retired from ICPAC at the end of 2018.

He was a humble leader who cared for the welfare of all his staff, nurturing and mentoring talent ICPAC staff will fondly remember how he gave them opportunity to build their skills and grow within the institution from height to height. We will miss his warm demeanor, sharp mind and strong leadership. Regional and internationally he was well respected for his work, dedication and integrity.

Prof Ogallo will be laid to rest at his rural home in Nyahera, Kisumu county on 5th December, 2020.

He is survived by his dear wife, Mrs Joan Ogallo and his children, Roy Ogallo, Willlam Ogallo, Linda Ogallo, Jerry Ogallo and Carol Ogallo.