Barack Hussein Obama, born in 1934 in the Rachuonyo District of Kenya, established himself as a dedicated student of economics through a scholarship program that facilitated his move to the United States. He eventually became a senior analyst for the Kenyan government after completing his graduate studies at Harvard University during the mid-1960s.
Early Education and Background
Raised in the village of Nyang'oma Kogelo, Obama attended various regional schools, including Gendia Primary and Ng'iya Intermediate. Between 1950 and 1953, he studied at Maseno National School, where instructors noted his steady and trustworthy character. His upbringing was marked by transitions, as he converted from Islam to Anglicanism before later adopting atheism.
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In 1959, Obama secured a scholarship organized by nationalist leader Tom Mboya, supported by figures like Sidney Poitier and Jackie Robinson. As the first African foreign student at the University of Hawaii, he earned a bachelor's degree in economics and earned election to the Phi Beta Kappa Society. He subsequently moved to Massachusetts to attend Harvard University for graduate work, where he earned an MA in economics.
Career and Later Years in Kenya
Returning to Kenya in 1964, Obama worked for an oil company before joining the Ministry of Transport and later the Ministry of Finance as a senior economic analyst. His career faced significant obstacles due to political conflicts with President Jomo Kenyatta, leading to his termination and professional blacklisting. His final years were defined by instability and repeated vehicle accidents, the last of which proved fatal in 1982 in Nairobi.
Fast facts
- Born: 1934, Rachuonyo District, Kenya
- Died: 24 November 1982, Nairobi
- Education: Maseno School, University of Hawaii, Harvard University
- Field of work: Economics
- Political career: Senior economic analyst, Ministry of Finance
- Burial place: Nyang'oma Kogelo
- Citizenship: Kenya
Questions readers ask
What was Barack Obama Sr.'s profession?
He was an economist who served in the Kenyan Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance.
Where did Obama Sr. complete his higher education?
He attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa for his undergraduate degree and Harvard University for his Master of Arts in economics.
How did Barack Obama Sr. die?
He died in 1982 following a serious car accident in Nairobi.
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