In Loving memory of Joe O’Brien
News
12 August 2021
In April this year the Irish Community lost a much loved member when Joe O’Brien passed away. Mr O’Brien had been Ireland’s Honorary Consul for over 20 years, having been first appointed in 1990 and serving until until July 2013.
Joe arrived in Kenya from Waterford as a young engineer in 1961. He met his wife Gaye in Mombasa and they were married for nearly 60 years. Settling in Kenya, Joe worked on the Kipevu Power station and the Seven Forks Hydroelectric Scheme.
In 1990 he was appointed Ireland’s Honorary Consul for Kenya, which at the time was overseen by the Irish Embassy in Dar ES Salaam, Tanzania. The Consulate was very busy, and Joe supported increasing engagement between Kenya and Ireland. He assisted thousands of Irish citizens during his time as Honorary Consul and worked with the business community to build two-way trade and development. When the Irish Embassy was re-established in Kenya, Joe was a vital support to the new team.
As well as working as an engineer and Honorary Consul, Joe was an accomplished and passionate pilot and aviator and was a licensed aerobatic flying instructor. For over 14 years Joe helped train Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) pilots to aid them in their conservation efforts and the fight against poaching, helping to preserve Kenya’s wildlife heritage.
Joe was a pillar of the Irish Community here in Kenya and will be very sadly missed.