Ayaz Manji was a pillar of professionalism, drive and resilience within the UN Kenya family, serving as the Senior Disaster Risk Reduction & Resilience Advisor to the UN Resident Coordinator of Kenya dr Stephen Jackson. Known for his unwavering dedication to Kenya's most vulnerable, Ayaz devoted his career to the pursuit of a resilient and equitable nation, a mission that he championed until his untimely passing on 15th July 2023. Before joining the UN Kenya family, Ayaz dedicated over 12 years to the Kenya Red Cross Society, making significant contributions to its growth and programs. His roles varied from the Head of Disaster Operations; to the Head of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene; and eventually as the Director of Programs. His contributions left an indelible mark on each of these roles, leaving a profound impact that carried him towards his next journey in the UN Resident Coordinator's Office in 2020. While Ayaz's passing on 15th July 2023 has left a void in the hearts of the entire UN Kenya family and many other friends and former colleagues; his consistent courage and commitment to those furthest behind in Kenya and his kindness and support towards all colleagues have left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege to work alongside him. His legacy is not only etched in the projects he pioneered but also in the hearts of those who were inspired by his zeal for serving humanity. A Call to Friends and Colleagues in the UN family, a Message to his Children! We are inviting you as our UN colleagues who worked directly with Ayaz or interacted with Ayaz through your work to share your tributes, memories, and stories about Ayaz as a professional within the UN system. We would like to suggest that you write this with his two wonderful children in mind. How would you like to describe their father in his professional roles? What are the stories, anecdotes and/or memories of Ayaz from his work that you would like to share with his children? We believe that your stories, anecdotes and fond remembrances will help immortalize Ayaz's professional dedication and humanistic spirit towards his children as they grow up. We aim to collect these heartfelt contributions to be passed onto his children as Memorial Book, providing them with a meaningful portrayal of Ayaz as a professional and a person, so warmly remembered by his colleagues and friends in the UN. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Ayaz's family during this difficult time.

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