- Abraham Omondi Onyango has graduated from the University of Nairobi after a 12-year academic journey.
- Financial difficulties forced him to defer his studies before turning to fish trading for support.
- His eventual graduation reflects years of perseverance, sacrifice and determination to complete his university education.
A 12-year academic journey marked by financial struggles, determination and resilience has culminated in a proud graduation for University of Nairobi student Abraham Omondi Onyango.
Onyango was among the graduates who received their degrees during the university’s 75th Graduation Ceremony on Friday, September 18, 2026, after overcoming years of financial challenges that had forced him to put his studies on hold.
He first joined the University of Nairobi on September 15, 2014, to pursue a Bachelor of Education Arts.
However, his studies were interrupted when he could no longer raise the required tuition fees, forcing him to defer his programme.
Turning to fish trading
Rather than abandon his dream of earning a university degree, Onyango ventured into fish trading to raise money for his upkeep and education.
His persistence in the trade earned him the nickname “Fish Man”, which became associated with his determination to overcome the financial challenges standing between him and his academic ambitions.
The income from the fish business eventually enabled him to return to the university and resume his studies.
After years of balancing work and education, Onyango completed his coursework and on Friday finally crossed the graduation stage, earning a Second Class Honours degree.
Emotional graduation
His graduation was marked by an emotional celebration as family members joined him at the university grounds to witness the culmination of a journey that had taken more than a decade.
The achievement has highlighted the challenges faced by some students whose academic dreams are threatened by financial difficulties, while also demonstrating how determination and alternative sources of income can help learners remain on course.
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For Onyango, the graduation marked more than the award of a degree. It represented the culmination of years of sacrifice, perseverance and a refusal to give up on his educational ambitions.
By Kithinji Njeru
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