Kitaw Ejigu

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Kitaw Ejigu (February 25, 1948 - January 13, 2006) was an Ethiopian scientist, who worked for NASA as Chief of Spacecraft and Satellite Systems engineer. He was also a political leader and a devout Christian and family man.

Kitaw was born in Bonga, Keffa, Ethiopia. He attended the Miazia 27th High School in Jimma. He then went to Bahr Dar Polytechnic Institute and received his diploma in 1966 as the top student in his class in mechanical engineering with specialization in Agricultural Technology. After graduating from the Institute, Kitaw worked at the Ethiopian Automotive Services and Sales Company (EASSCO) as Chief technical advisor and assistant manager for two years.

He is survived by three children Benyam, Sarah Abigail and Yared.

The late engineer Kitaw Ejigu was Ethiopia's first aerospace scientist. One of the world's best aerospace scientists and the only Ethiopian in the field, Engineer Kitaw worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration – NASA -, Rockwell International and for the Boeing Company which is a leading American aircraft and aerospace manufacturer. He completed a diploma in 1966 in Ethiopia and worked as an engineer for two years servicing agricultural vehicles before pursuing his ambitions in a field that no other Ethiopian has ever attempted to embark on.

In 1972, he won a scholarship from the Japanese Overseas Technical Association and traveled to Japan where he studied automotive engineering at Hiroshima University , as well as Language and Economics at Osaka University. He later moved to the United States and began his intensive research and training and earned MS/MBA in business administration in 1979. He then completed his doctorate in space vehicle systems engineering from Northrop University in California.

Upon completion of his studies and researches in the late 1970s, he started working for NASA as a system engineer and space research scientist. He collaborated with other scientists to create space shuttles and rockets that assisted in planetary science research and exploration for planet earth.

Engineer Kitaw Ejigu died at the age of 58 on 13 January 2006 in the United States. Apart from his prestigious status as an aerospace scientist, he was also widely known for his efforts to bring about political change in Ethiopia. He publicly denounced the regime in Ethiopia and its atrocious actions and policies. Even though he was ambitious about using his knowledge, experience and high-status to help his homeland Ethiopia , he repeatedly said he was not made welcome by the regime. And in 2002, he founded the political party – The Ethiopian National United Front– to help overthrow the unpopular regime and to bring about a stable and democratic political system. He was a passionate believer in Ethiopia who always wanted to utilize his expertise to change things for the better for the average Ethiopian. Despite his sudden and early departure, he will continue to be a remarkable role model for many generations of Ethiopians. The tales of his achievements in the field of aerospace will inspire many would-be Ethiopian scientists.