Njendu believes in giving back to the community

25 July 2019

Mugure Njendu, a registered Architect and Urban Planner, was born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya. Her mother was a teacher and instilled in her a love for reading to the point of being called a geek. She still considers reading as one of the best ways to unwind, and is a member of a book club.

She attended the Kenya High School, and went to the US for higher education at the Wentworth Institute of Technology in the US, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, and a Masters of Architecture degree in Urban Planning from the University of Miami. She started her career in Boston, Massachussets, and then moved to Miami, Florida before returning to Kenya to earn her registration as an accredited Architect in Kenya.

In 2016, Njendu joined Gitutho Architects and Planners, a Mombasa-based company started by her father 30 years ago, and in 2011 became the managing director. They have offices in Nairobi, and take on projects as far as Juba, South Sudan.

She has 12 years professional expreience and is currently a member of the Board of Architects and Quantity Surveyors of Kenya, and also Women in Real Estate. She serves as the honorary secretary at the Architectural Association of Kenya, and has chaired the Board of Practice and Ethics in the East Africa Institute of Architects.

In 2015, she founded Little Einstein’s East Africa that teaches students about the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through fun and hands-on activities at the Science Explorers Lab in Nairobi as well as through in-school workshops and holiday camp activities. The Little Einstein’s Programme is now offered in 18 schools in Nairobi and has registered over 3,000 children. Little Einstein’s East Africa further runs a STEM programme on Youtube and plans to open in Kigali this July.

The mother of two believes in giving back to the community and she is a founder and trustee of the ExBomarian Educational Fund, a non-profit organisation formed by the Kenya High School Alumni that sponsors needy students admitted to the school.

She also led a team in building three homes for internally displaced people through Habitat for Humanity Kenya. She participates in mentoring through career fairs and counselling. She loves art, poetry, music, and eclectic jewellery and accessories.

-Susan Muumbi

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