I currently work as a Co-operate Finance consultant. We have our own entity called Next Partners. This came after I graduated end of 2015 from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) having studied Actuarial Science with first class honours.

My story begins from a family of four raised by a single mother. My dad had passed on when I was still quite young and my mum worked at Multimedia University at the Administrator’s Office. We got to know about the Co-operative Bank Foundation scholarship program through one of the SACCOs that my mum was a member of.

We made an application and I was selected as one of the beneficiaries, giving me the opportunity to attend Dagoretti High School and completed secondary school in 2010. From that point, my mum was able to focus on my siblings. That was a huge load off her back. This was extended to University after I performed well.

Being part one of the Foundation’s beneficiaries meant having access to mentorship and career guidance. I was not sure what to pursue in University. I remember I had actually been called to University of Nairobi to pursue Economics and Finance, which I was not passionate about.

I had a conversation with a member of staff at the Foundation. He advised me on what to consider and that is when I decided to pursue Actuarial Science at JKUAT. He was very supportive and encouraging. The internship program was also very helpful. It was when I began to build my career path.

I learned how the stock market works and how the Bank’s board operates. It made my academic work much easier because by the time we were doing the theory on financial institutions and financial derivatives, I had already seen it in practice. I cannot imagine how life could have turned out if I did not get the Co-operative Bank Foundation scholarship. I do not think I would be doing what I am presently doing.