A Day In The Life - Professor Isaac Nyambok

Professor Isaac Nyambok is a pioneer Kenyan professor of geology at the University of Nairobi. He recently received the highly coveted International Union of Geological Sciences Award.

I used to wake up between 3 am and 4 am, read for about one or two hours depending on how early I woke up. Lately I have been waking up at around 5.30 am. I prepare myself for the day and wait for my driver to pick me up. My driver picks me between 8 am and 9 am, though sometimes he is caught up in traffic.

When I get to the office, I respond to correspondence and communications. I may proceed to a meeting if there is any or to any scheduled lecture. Otherwise, I proceed to geo-chemical labs to study or check samples of rocks, water, quality minerals or any other particular specimen. Other times, I just stay in the office with a microscope and some specimen and do what I have to do. I break for lunch between 1 pm and 2 pm if I’m not doing something that cannot be left hanging.
Exchange of knowledge is very exciting. Students are inquisitive and they challenge me into deeper thinking, reading and research. Besides teaching students taking geology, I give service courses to civil engineering, land economics and architecture students. All these fields of study require knowledge of geology. Somebody recognised the work that I am doing and I was awarded a highly coveted geological award by the International Union of Geological Sciences at the UNESCO headquarters in February.
I go for lectures in the afternoon, if any. If I don’t have a lecture I sit in the office and I read books related to geology or any other literature I come across as I attend to students who come for consultation with regards to geology. I leave the office by 5pm. If I have to exchange ideas with my colleagues I go to the university club. I sometimes meet with my friends for a chat after work. I prefer clubs that are near my home.
Over the weekends, I love hanging around home with my family and relatives, and occasionally catch up with friends. I enjoy going for nature walks with my son and I also read magazines. I am an author of different books and journals. I write every time I am motivated. I used to love playing squash and table tennis.

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