President Kagame Friday paid tribute to Kenyan scholar, Prof Calestous Juma who died while undergoing treatment in Boston, Massachusetts.

Until his death Juma was teaching at Harvard University in the United States.

"Saddened to hear of the passing of Prof. Calestous Juma. We have lost a brilliant mind who was dedicated to innovation, education and Africa's prosperity. Condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace,” President Kagame said in a tweet.

The Kenyan scholar was in June named among the most reputable people in the world in the inaugural list of "2017 Most Reputable People on Earth”.

Juma is an internationally recognised authority in the application of science and technology to sustainable development worldwide.

He was named one of the most influential 100 Africans in 2012, 2013 and 2014 by the New African magazine.

He was the professor of the practice of International Development and faculty chair of the Innovation for Economic Development Executive Program at Harvard Kennedy School.

His Kenyan lawyer is quoted as saying that the scholar had been unwell for some time.

"Prof has been unwell for the past two years and today we received the sad news of his passing. Any more details will come from his family,” lawyer Peter Wanyama said.

According to Wanyama, Prof Juma’s mother was buried just two weeks ago, but because of his sickness, he was not able to attend the funeral.

"He had, however, told me that he was planning to travel to the country in the early part of next year. Unfortunately, that will not be possible,” Wanyama said.