Kamoya Kimeu facts for kids

Kamoya Kimeu (born in 1938 – died on July 20, 2022) was a famous Kenyan scientist. He was a paleontologist, which means he studied fossils to learn about ancient life. He was also a curator, someone who looks after collections in a museum. Kamoya Kimeu made very important discoveries in paleoanthropology. This is the study of human evolution through fossils. He was honored with the National Geographic Society's LaGorce Medal and received an honorary science degree from Case Western Reserve University.

Early Life and Learning

Kamoya Kimeu was born in 1938 in a rural area of southern Kenya called Makueni County. His parents were Philomena Mwelu and Kimeu Mbalu. His father was a goat herder, but he was working on a railroad when Kamoya was born.

Young Kamoya went to a Christian missionary school for six years. He left school when he was old enough to help herd the family's goats. His family's first language was Kikamba. He also learned to speak English and Swahili. These languages were very helpful later when he translated for scientists he worked with.

Amazing Discoveries

Kimeu started working in paleoanthropology in the 1950s. He began as a helper for famous scientists Louis Leakey and Mary Leakey. During his job interview, Louis Leakey spoke to him in Kikuyu, a language similar to Kikamba. This made Kamoya feel comfortable and excited to join the team.

In 1963, Kamoya joined the expeditions led by Richard Leakey. Richard was Louis and Mary's son and also became a paleoanthropologist. Kimeu went with him to the Omo River and Lake Rudolf (now called Lake Turkana) in 1967. He quickly became Richard Leakey's main assistant. He even took charge of the field work when Leakey was away. His colleagues called him "Mr. Kamoya." In 1977, he became the curator for all prehistoric sites in Kenya at the National Museums of Kenya.

Kamoya Kimeu found many important fossils. These include:

• A skull of an early human called Homo habilis, known as KNM-ER 1813.
• An almost complete skeleton of an early human called Homo ergaster. This skeleton is known as KNM-WT 15000 or Turkana Boy. It is also called Nariokotome boy.
• In 1964, he found the jawbone of a hominid (an early human ancestor) called Paranthropus boisei. This jaw is known as the Peninj Mandible.

Carol Ward, a professor of anatomy, described Kimeu as "a legend." She said he was "responsible for some of the most significant fossil finds that shaped our understanding of our evolutionary past."

His Life and Legacy

Kamoya Kimeu passed away on July 20, 2022, in Nairobi, Kenya. He was about 84 years old.

Things Named After Him

Two fossil primates (an order of mammals that includes monkeys, apes, and humans) have been named after Kamoya Kimeu:

• Kamoyapithecus hamiltoni
• Cercopithecoides kimeui

Awards and Honors

• In 1985, U.S. President Ronald Reagan presented Kimeu with the National Geographic Society's LaGorce Medal. This happened at the White House.
• He received an honorary science degree from Case Western Reserve University in 2021.

See also

• List of fossil sites
• List of hominina (hominid) fossils