"I Speak for the Bush"

Professor Everett Maraka Standa was a distinguished scholar and poet. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Buffalo. Prof. Standa was well known for poems such as "I Speak for the Bush", "Pregnant School Girl", "Wedding Eve" among many others from his publication, Shades of Life, which contains his collection of poems that was officially released in January 1994.

Standa started his illustrious career as a Lecturer at the University of Nairobi (1974-1980) then as Senior Lecturer at Kenyatta University (1980-1987). He moved to Moi University where he became an associate Professor and eventually a full Professor. He rose to become Dean Faculty of Education (1987- 1997). He was the Founder Director of the of Moi University Privately Sponsored Students Program (PSSP) from Januray 1999 to March 2000. He was also Founder Principal of the Western University College (WEUCO) from 2000- 2003. WEUCO was a constituent college of Moi University before elevation to a full university as Masinde University of Science and Technology (MMUST). Standa also served in other capacities as the Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University (2003-2006), the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission for University Education (2006-2013) and as Vice Chancellor at the East African University (2015-2017) before his retirement.

Everett Maraka Standa was son to the late Jotham Standa and the late Rhoda Standa. He was also a friend, brother, cousin, uncle, husband, father and grandfather. He died due to Pneumonia on the 5th November 2023 at the Lugulu Friends Mission Hospital in Webuye.

May his soul rest in peace.