Nairobi, Feb. 17 -- The name Lee Kuan Yew may not be instantly recognisable to many, yet for more than half a century he was one of the most influential figures on the global stage.

He served as the founding father and first Prime Minister of Singapore, steering the tiny island nation from fragile independence in 1965 through three transformative decades until 1990.

He has won the admiration of political and business leaders worldwide for his Midas touch in politics, socio-economic development and geopolitics.

Largely through his vision and leadership, Singapore was transformed from a fledgling State into a manufacturing powerhouse, earning its place among the Asian Tigers and the world stage.

In recent months, Kenyan President Willia...