I turned down PhD to work in Puntland, Somalia

1. Education

MA, International Relations and Politics (University of Nairobi); BA, Public Administration (Punjab University, India).

2. Experience

Vast experience in administration, sales and marketing, project management and implementation, organisational management and planing, HIV/ Aids and youth programme co-ordination.

3. Awards/Recognition (If Any)?

A primary school composition writing award.  

4. First Job/First Salary

Education Sales Assistant with a leading publisher/Sh500 a day in 1998.

5. Worst/ Best Job

The jobs I have done have their own merits and demerits. The best job so far is my current one as CEO of Kenya Publishers Association. 

6. First Neighbourhood/Current Hood

Jericho estate/Buruburu

7. Missed Opportunity

I was offered an opportunity to work at a local university as a tutorial fellow as i pursued my PhD. I turned down the offer for a job in Puntland in Somalia. However, my dream to get a PhD is still on course.

8. Worst Mistake

If I hadn’t gone to Puntland, Somalia, I would be having a PhD by now.
9. One Thing You Can’t Give Away

Truth, integrity and genuine friendship.

10. Most Embarrassing Moment

Fresh out of college, my collegemates and I went for dinner at an upmarket hotel. We were offered a finger bowl with warm and lemon slices. I thought it was for drinking and downed the water in the bowl! My colleagues laughed so hard, I wished the floor could swallow me.

11. One thing You Regret

Death of my dad and not being able to do more financially to help.

12. Unforgettable Person

I can never forget my late dad, Samuel Odhiambo, who brought me up to love books. Our house was always full of books. My mum, Gertrude Odhiambo, a retired teacher, has also been an inspiration in my life. We had few earthly things, but we never lacked the basic necessities.

13. Preferred Epitaph

Lived life to the fullest.