Let my academic journey inspire hope among the less privileged

 

Born in the heart of Biticha village, deep in the rural landscape of Nyamira County, I grew up in circumstances that many would consider impossible to overcome.

Raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for us, there were times we had little more than hope and a dream to cling to. My childhood was defined by struggle — not only with poverty but with a deep sense of isolation, uncertainty and self-doubt.

At times, it seemed as though my fate was sealed, tied to the hardships that defined my world. In those difficult years, it was impossible to imagine that one day I would earn a PhD. In fact, the thought seemed as distant as the stars. But through it all, I found a fire within myself—a resilience that refused to be extinguished, a strength that kept me moving forward even when the path seemed impossible.

My mother did everything she could to provide for us, but there were many times when we lacked basic necessities. I recall going to school without shoes and living in a grass-thatched house that doubled as a kitchen by day and a bedroom by night.

At night, I would lie on the cold floor, with only a cowhide as a mat, inhaling the smoke from the kitchen fires that clung to my clothes and hair. These were not the conditions that many would associate with success, but they shaped my character and resolve.

In 1997, I sat the KCPE exam at Biticha Primary School and scored 348 marks. Although this wasn’t a high enough score, I continued to believe that my story was far from over. I joined Biticha Secondary School, where the challenge of school fees loomed over me like a heavy cloud.

I did what I could to earn money—taking up menial jobs to contribute to my education. In 2000, Bismark Mission, moved by my story, graciously offered to sponsor my fees for two years, which was a lifeline. By 2001, I sat for my KCSE exam and scored a B-, but this grade didn’t guarantee university admission through Joint Admissions Board.

Coming from a poor background, my family couldn’t afford private sponsorship for university education. The only option available was to retake KCSE to get government sponsorship. I chose to repeat my KCSE exams because I believed in myself and was confident that I could improve my grades.

My high school teachers, Mr Omoyo and Mr Amenya, along with my mentor, Mr Edward Obutu, had faith in me and urged me to embrace the challenge. I did small businesses like bread vending to raise money for the exams. I also worked as a labourer at my school, fetching water and doing construction work to cover my tuition. It was difficult, but I refused to let my circumstances define me.

I scored a B+ and was admitted to Kenyatta University to pursue Bachelor of Commerce. I graduated in 2012, but the journey didn’t end there. I worked for a while, but deep inside, I knew there was more I could do.

In 2014, I quit my job to pursue an MBA in Finance at Kenyatta University. I had only enough money for the first semester’s fees. I took up small jobs at the university, including tutoring and marking, to raise tuition fees. Every day was a battle, but I persevered. I graduated with an MBA in 2016. In 2020, I applied for a PhD in Finance at Kenyatta University. Once again, my journey was marked by challenges, but my determination never wavered.

I graduated in 2024 with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Finance. This milestone was not just personal—it was a testament to the fact that circumstances do not define who we are or what we can achieve.

One lesson, I hope others can take from my story, is: Your circumstances do not define your future. The road may be long, the obstacles may seem insurmountable, but you have the power to shape your own path. Believe in yourself, even in the darkest moments!

To anyone reading this who is facing adversity: know that I stand with you. If I can make it from the small village of Biticha, with a challenging family background, to earning a PhD, so can you. Keep going, and remember, your story is still being written.

The best chapters are yet to come!