We are 3 boys and 1 girl in my family, and I am the last born. Our mother, who raised us, unfortunately passed on in December 2007. After, I was temporarily placed at Kikambala Children’s Home, as there was no one to take care of me. Coincidentally this was just before I received my KCPE results.

That same year, I emerged as the top student in the local Primary School that year having scored 409 marks. I received an admission letter to join Maseno School. Through the efforts of my aunt (a member of Mwalimu Sacco) and my primary school teachers, we applied for the Co-operative Bank Foundation scholarship.

My application was successful! I went on to score an A- in my KCSE examinations, allowing me to proceed to Moi University in Eldoret to study Informatics. I maximised on the internship opportunity given to University Beneficiaries and joined the Kilifi Branch whenever I had a long holiday. I cultivated the saving culture and benefited from mentorship.

I still keep tabs with my mentor who used to be the Customer Relations manager at the Kilifi Branch. I find myself calling him to seek advice on my career or even personal issues. He has really been instrumental in my life.
Upon graduation, I applied for a position with Andela Kenya.

Although we were more than 2,000 applicants, I was among the 14 finalists who went through a 6-stage vetting process. Against all odds, I now currently work as a software engineer at the same company. Through their support, the Foundation enabled me to gain education to a level that was unthinkable.

I am now able to support my nieces and nephews in paying for their education I am the only one among my siblings who was able to finalize primary education let alone proceed to university. I have also been advising and mentoring some of the young people in Kilifi on academic matters. I want to be able to do my part to create change.