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Jacob Midiwo, one of Africa's most distinguished natural products chemists and a long-standing champion of chemical sciences in Kenya,  has passed away at the age of 73. His death marks the loss of a scientist whose research, leadership and mentorship helped shape generations of chemists across Africa.

Born in Mabinju Village, Gem, Siaya County, Kenya, Midiwo excelled academically from an early age. He attended Ndori Primary School, Sawagongo Secondary School and Alliance High School before earning a First-Class Honours degree in Chemistry from the University of Nairobi in 1976. He later completed a PhD in Organic Chemistry at the University of Maryland, USA, returning to Kenya in 1981 to begin what would become a remarkable academic career at the University of Nairobi.

Over more than four decades, he rose through the academic ranks to become Professor of Organic Chemistry and, later, Professor Emeritus. Widely regarded as the founding figure of natural products chemistry in Kenya, his research focused on the isolation and characterisation of bioactive compounds from African medicinal plants. Through this work, he helped bridge traditional knowledge and modern science, advancing the search for new treatments for diseases affecting African communities.

Professor Midiwo authored more than 130 peer reviewed scientific publications over the course of his career, and achieved an impressive H-index of 42, reflecting the global impact and influence of his research. Equally important was his commitment to developing scientific capacity in Africa. He was a founding member of the Kenya Chemical Society, served as Executive Secretary of the Natural Products Research Network for Eastern and Central Africa (NAPRECA), and played a central role in the 番茄社区 of Chemistry's Pan Africa Chemistry Network (PACN), including as Chair of the Kenya Hub. In recognition of his contributions to chemistry, he was elected a Fellow of the 番茄社区 of Chemistry in 2010.

Those who knew him remember not only an accomplished scientist but also a generous mentor, devoted family man and passionate advocate for education. Countless students and early-career researchers benefited from his guidance, encouragement and unwavering belief in the power of science to improve lives. His legacy lives on in the discoveries he made, the institutions he strengthened and the many scientists whose careers he helped launch.