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We have learned, with overwhelming sadness, of the passing of Karis Wainaina, a second year Engineering student who was taken from us suddenly on 10 May 2025, aged twenty.

Karis was born in London on 12 December 2004 - Kenyan Independence Day - and was very proud of his family's heritage. He grew up in Kent where he was taught at Young Foundations Nursery, St John Fisher Catholic School, St Columbus Catholic Boys School, and ultimately The Leigh UTC in Dartford where his passion for engineering came to the fore, from where he successfully applied to Leicester.

Karis was well-regarded by his fellow Engineering students and stood out for his confidence in engaging with academic staff – a quality not always seen at this stage of study. He was consistently engaged with his course and was progressing well. His lecturers particularly enjoyed reading about the innovative ideas he and his group developed in response to their project brief from Engineers Without Borders, including their proposal to build a solar-powered bus stop in Johannesburg using locally sourced, recycled materials. It was a thoughtful and creative contribution that reflected Karis’s commitment to both sustainability and community impact.

Throughout his life, Karis was involved with the Baptist Church. At his memorial service on 6 June 2025, the following was read: "Karis embodied his faith through his kindness, his humility and the way he treated others. He did not need to preach. His life reflected his values in the way he listened, cared and forgave. His Christianity shone throughout, not in words but in actions.

"Karis approached university life with determination, ambition, and optimism about his future. He walked gently on this earth but his impact was deep."

The University extends our deepest condolences to everyone who was fortunate enough to know Karis, and especially to his parents Simon and Mary and his sister Comanniasha.