Julie Gichuru Honoured With PhD in Law

Media celebrity Julie Gichuru
A file image of media personality Julie Gichuru.
File

Celebrated media personality Julie Gichuru is set to receive an honorary doctorate degree in law from the Concordia University in Canada in recognition of her role in promoting peace and leadership in Africa.

In a statement released by the university on Thursday, May 26, the institution stated that the former Citizen TV journalist started various initiatives to promote leadership and peace in the continent.

In particular, the Canadian University pointed out the Fist to Five for Change initiative which promoted peace and healing in the country after the 2007 post-election violence.

Media personality Julie Gichuru.
Media personality Julie Gichuru.
File

"Over the past two decades, Julie Gichuru has become a household name in her native Kenya, through her work as a groundbreaking journalist, advocate for reconciliation and nonviolence, and passionate Afro-optimist.

"Following Kenya's electoral crisis in 2007– 08, Gichuru conceptualized and hosted Fist to Five for Change, which facilitated peace and the healing process. Her initiative earned her the Martin Luther King Salute to Greatness Award," read the statement in part.

Additionally, her Africa Leadership Dialogues debate was recognised for being a game-changer in changing narratives for African leadership. The Great Debaters' Contest, which focuses on empowering high school students was also noted to have had a big influence on the country.

"The Great debaters' contest is a high school debate platform designed to teach students that differing opinions need not lead to conflict and violence.

Gichuru will receive her degree alongside eight other individuals who were recognised for their noble initiatives all over the world.

The former Citizen TV reporter currently works at the Mastercard Foundation and has moderated international conferences over the years.

After her departure from Citizen TV in 2015, Gichuru focused on the Africa Leadership Dialogues and the debate programme. 

During an interview on NTV in 2016, she explained that she left the newsroom to focus on the two productions which were growing and needed her attention.

“But for me, I kind of feel like nimeanza kuzeeka kidogo (I have started growing a bit old), and the Great Debaters' Contest is growing. We are doing so much and I needed the room to be able to manoeuvre and do these amazing things,” she stated then

A File Image of Citizen TV Studios
The newly launched Citizen TV Studio with presenters on Sunday, August 7, 2022.
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