Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui

Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui (January 26, 1984 - May 22, 2024) was a Kenyan mountaineer, banker, and endurance athlete. He was the second Kenyan to attempt summiting Mount Everest, following James Kagambi, who successfully reached the summit in 2022. Kirui died on May 22, 2024, during his attempt to climb Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen—a feat that would have made him the first African to achieve this milestone.
Early Life and Education
Kirui was born on January 26, 1984, to Ruth and Wilson Kenduiywo in Kapsabet, Kenya. He was the second-born in a family of five siblings: Enoch Kiplangat, Grace Chepkemoi Kenduiywo, David Kimutai Kirui, and Paul Kipchirchir Kirui. He was also a devoted father to his daughter, Cherotich Marion.
Kirui attended Nandi Primary, Chepterit Primary, and later completed his KCPE at Kingwal Primary in 1997 with a score of 510 out of 700. In 1998, he joined Chebisaas Boys High School, where he earned an A- in the 2001 KCSE exams. He later enrolled at Maseno University in 2003 and graduated with First Class Honors in Biomedical Technology in 2006.
Professional Career
Kirui began his banking career in 2009 as a Management Trainee at Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) in Nandi Hills. He was based primarily in Nairobi. He briefly worked in Eldoret in 2023 before returning to Nairobi in March 2024.
Mountaineering and Endurance Career
Kirui was an accomplished endurance athlete and mountaineer. His outdoor pursuits began with running and hiking, sparked during his deployment in Nairobi. He joined several adventure and fitness communities including Urban Swaras Running Club, Ultra Running Club, Run Beyond, Team Jasho, Outdoor Kenya, and Bucketlist Adventures. He completed over 50 marathons and ultramarathons globally, including a 389-kilometer run across the Italian Alps over six days, and placed highly in numerous events.
Kirui’s passion for the outdoors extended to mountain expeditions. He summited Mount Longonot, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Rwenzori Ranges, and climbed Mount Kenya over 20 times, setting speed records on several ascents. In 2023, he summited Mount Manaslu in Nepal (8,163m) without supplemental oxygen or Sherpa support.
Everest Expedition and Death
In preparation for his Everest expedition, Kirui undertook extensive physical training, technical preparation, and high-altitude acclimatization. He read widely, prepared emergency protocols, and organized a support team including Sherpa Nawang. He carried emergency oxygen and spent several weeks acclimatizing at camps above 5,000 meters in Nepal.
On May 16, 2024, Kirui began his summit push. He remained in communication with family and friends until May 21, when he was reported missing alongside his Sherpa. On May 22, 2024, Kirui’s body was found approximately 48 meters from the summit of Mount Everest (8,848m).
Legacy
Joshua Kirui is remembered as one of Kenya’s most ambitious and inspiring mountaineers. His pursuit to become the first African to summit Everest without supplemental oxygen reflects his relentless determination and adventurous spirit. Kirui’s life and legacy continue to inspire adventurers, athletes, and storytellers across the continent and beyond.
Selected Works
* An Ultramarathon Story of Tor des Geants (2023)

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