Five years after his passing, the name Dr. Chris Kirubi continues to evoke admiration, inspiration and respect across Kenya and beyond. He was a businessman, investor, philanthropist, media owner, mentor and visionary whose influence transcended industries and generations. While many remember him for his remarkable success in business, those who knew him more closely understand that his greatest legacy lies not in the wealth he accumulated, but in the lives he touched, the opportunities he created and the institutions he helped build.For those of us at Capital FM, Dr. Kirubi was more than a shareholder or owner. He was a firm believer in the power of media, innovation and talent. He saw potential where others saw limitations and understood that great institutions are built by investing in people. His faith in Capital FM was unwavering, even during challenging times. He constantly encouraged the team to think differently, embrace change and remain relevant in an ever-evolving media landscape.As Editorial Director, I often reflect on the values that defined him. Dr. Kirubi believed in excellence. He had little patience for mediocrity and challenged those around him to push beyond their comfort zones. Whether addressing senior executives, young professionals or aspiring entrepreneurs, his message was consistent: success comes to those willing to dream big, work hard and remain disciplined in the pursuit of their goals.One of his greatest strengths was his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He could comfortably engage with heads of state and global business leaders, then spend equal time encouraging a young entrepreneur who was just beginning their journey. He had an extraordinary ability to make people believe in themselves. Many of Kenya’s business leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs today can point to a conversation, mentorship session or piece of advice from Dr. Kirubi that helped shape their path.His entrepreneurial journey itself was a source of inspiration. Rising from humble beginnings, he built one of Kenya’s most successful business empires through determination, resilience and an unwavering belief in opportunity. He often spoke openly about the setbacks and challenges he faced along the way, reminding people that failure was not the opposite of success but part of the journey towards it.What made Dr. Kirubi particularly unique was his willingness to share his experiences. He did not guard knowledge or success. Instead, he used his platform to encourage others to learn, grow and pursue their ambitions. Through public speaking engagements, mentorship initiatives like the popular #AskKirubi segment on the Capital FM website and countless personal interactions, he inspired a generation of young Kenyans to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation.At Capital FM, we experienced this passion firsthand. Dr. Kirubi believed deeply in the power of talent and the importance of creating opportunities for young people to grow and thrive. He viewed the media not merely as a business venture, but as a platform for shaping conversations, inspiring audiences and nurturing the next generation of communicators and leaders. Many journalists, presenters, producers and media professionals who passed through Capital FM benefited from a culture he helped cultivate—one rooted in excellence, innovation, professionalism and continuous learning. He encouraged people to think independently, challenge conventional wisdom and pursue their ambitions with confidence.What made Dr. Kirubi unique was his willingness to immerse himself fully in the institution he loved. While many business leaders would have been content to remain behind the scenes, he became an active part of the Capital FM story. Through his popular #DJCK persona, he literally stepped behind the decks, sharing his passion for music and connecting directly with listeners. It was not uncommon to find one of Kenya’s most successful businessmen engaging audiences on air, discussing life lessons, entrepreneurship and personal growth with the same ease that he discussed investments and corporate strategy in boardrooms. In doing so, he broke barriers between leadership and everyday people, demonstrating that success should never distance one from the communities they serve. His presence in the studio reflected his belief that leadership is not about titles or status, but about authenticity, accessibility and the ability to inspire others through action.Beyond business and media, Dr. Kirubi was deeply committed to giving back to society. Through philanthropy and community support initiatives, he championed causes that improved lives and expanded opportunities for others. He believed that success carried with it a responsibility to contribute to the wellbeing of society and to help those less fortunate achieve their potential.Perhaps one of the most enduring lessons he leaves behind is the importance of courage. Dr. Kirubi was never afraid to take risks, challenge conventional thinking or embrace new ideas. He constantly encouraged people to look beyond immediate obstacles and focus on long-term possibilities. In many ways, that mindset helped shape not only the businesses he led but also the people who looked up to him.Five years after his passing, his legacy remains visible everywhere. It can be seen in the businesses that continue to thrive, in the entrepreneurs he inspired, in the professionals he mentored and in the institutions he strengthened. It is reflected in the countless stories shared by individuals whose lives were transformed through his encouragement, generosity and leadership.At Capital FM, his influence continues to guide us. As we navigate a rapidly changing media environment, we draw inspiration from his vision, his commitment to innovation and his belief that excellence should always be the standard. His entrepreneurial spirit remains woven into the fabric of our organisation.As we remember Dr. Chris Kirubi today, we celebrate far more than a successful businessman. We honour a visionary leader who challenged people to dream bigger, work harder and believe in what was possible. We honour a mentor who invested in others, a philanthropist who gave back generously and a nation builder whose impact continues to be felt long after his passing.Some leaders leave behind memories. Others leave behind institutions. A rare few leave behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations. Dr. Chris Kirubi belongs firmly in that category.Five years on, his voice may be silent, but his lessons endure. His journey continues to inspire, his vision continues to influence and his legacy continues to live on.