BECOMING WITHOUT THE BLADE : Dr. Fidelis Ngugi

Born and raised in Tharaka, a community with deep cultural traditions and heritage, Dr. Ngugi grew up in a humble family that stood firmly against female genital mutilation (FGM) at a time when most girls in her community underwent the practice. This family stance gave her a unique foundation of protection and encouragement. During her primary school years, she was introduced to the Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) through a school sensitization program which she attended in 1996. This provided her with a safe and empowering platform that affirmed her right to education while promoting respect for cultural values. While many of her peers faced cultural barriers and early marriage, ARP gave her confidence, leadership skills, and a strong voice to pursue education in a male-dominated field. Initially met with skepticism by some community members, her perseverance, respectful engagement with elders, and academic achievements helped her earn respect and eventually become a role model for girls in her community.

Now married and proud mother of one, Dr. Ngugi is a Senior Lecturer of Chemistry and Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Engineering and Technology at Tharaka University. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry, MSc. in Analytical Chemistry and a BSc. in Chemistry. She is a woman whose journey embodies brilliance, resilience, and purpose. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry and over a decade of teaching experience, her academic path from Materi Girls’ Centre to leading university faculties has been marked by excellence and impact. Her research focuses on environmental and analytical chemistry, earning her recognition both locally and internationally. She has presented her work in Japan, the Philippines, and across Kenya, and continues to contribute to global conversations on which contributes to advancing green chemistry innovations and sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.

In addition to teaching and research, she holds significant administrative and leadership roles. Her leadership has contributed to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, capacity building and innovation linkages at institutional and community levels. She is deeply committed to mentorship and community empowerment, particularly for vulnerable groups such as girls at risk of harmful cultural practices. Her appointment to the Gatunga Community Library and IT Centre committee, an initiative by Tharaka Women Welfare Programme, provides an opportunity to give back to the community that shaped her, to amplify the voices of vulnerable groups, and to promote inclusive access to education, science, and technology. Dr. Ngugi’s story is a testament to the power of education, science, and compassion in shaping a future where every girl can thrive with dignity.