In a profound message, James Njoroge, a local man with a remarkable story, recounted his challenging yet inspiring journey from the Kibera Slums to becoming a fervent advocate for education.
Reflecting on his life, Njoroge took us back to 1996, when he was forced to drop out of Nyahururu Boys High School due to financial constraints that weighed heavily on his family.
After leaving school, Njoroge found employment with his cousin, Mr. Ng’ang’a, where he worked in the traditional process of burning and boiling cow legs, known as “Kuriga Mathagiro.” The next two years were filled with hardships as he struggled to raise money for his education.
His circumstances changed drastically when he crossed paths with three students from Kenyatta University—Wahome Thuku, Soyinka Lempaa, and Chamaka—while hawking goods around campus.
Recognizing Njoroge’s potential, these friends inspired him to return to high school. During this period, he juggled various hawking jobs to support himself, selling everything from snacks to household items to make ends meet.
In 1993, an ambitious young Njoroge excelled in his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) at Githunguri Primary School in Nyandarua County, scoring an impressive 556 out of 700 marks. However, despite his academic success, financial limitations hampered his dreams of attending one of the country’s top secondary schools. Relying solely on his mother, a peasant farmer, Njoroge was unable to secure the necessary funds.
Determined to pursue his education, he made the tough decision to repeat primary school, hoping that in the meantime, his mother could gather enough money for his secondary education. When the 1994 KCPE results were released, Njoroge’s name was at the top of the list, beaming with joy at the prospect of attending Nyahururu Boys High School. However, fate dealt him another blow—his mother lacked the funds to enroll him.
In a show of support, family members sought the help of a local politician who expressed enthusiasm for sponsoring Njoroge. The politician wrote a letter to the school’s principal, resulting in Njoroge’s admission. However, he later discovered that the politician never paid a single cent, leaving him to face the daunting reality of unpaid school fees after his first year.
“I thought help had come, but I was still in the woods,” Njoroge recounted, recalling the feeling of despair.
He knew he had to find a way to raise money for his education. After dropping out of school in 1996, he continued working with his cousin but also joined local women’s groups to start saving money. This dual effort allowed him to hawk goods in Kikuyu town when he wasn’t working.
One fateful day while selling his wares in a social club (Homeland Bar & Restaurant), Njoroge met Mr. Mudi, who took a keen interest in his story. “I explained my struggles, and he felt compassionate. He later revealed he was the principal of Kahuho Uhuru High School and invited me to join his school in 1998,” Njoroge recalled.
Admission was a turning point, but it came with challenges; he was placed directly into form three, forcing him to catch up on a year’s worth of material.
Despite the difficulties of walking long distances to school and working odd jobs to support his family, Njoroge persevered.
He joined the Adventist Church, where he found community support and thrived academically, ultimately achieving a B+ that secured his entry into university.
After completing form four, Njoroge worked at a car wash and took on a role as an assistant accountant in his local church (SDA) while pursuing CPA courses at a local college. His relationship with the church treasurer blossomed, and she took him under her wing, helping him navigate the complexities of studying abroad.
“With her support, I was able to get my passport, visa, and air ticket—all to the glory of God,” Njoroge said, his face lighting up with gratitude.
In 2005, he graduated with a degree in accounting and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. His journey continued as he joined the U.S. Military, specializing in medical science and serving in medical brigades. Now, as a successful mentor and advocate for education, Njoroge has founded a holiday tuition program for students, sponsored through his initiative.
“At JCBO, I tell the students, ‘I know what education means—it is an equalizer,’” he affirmed.
His efforts have already benefited countless children from the community, even those whose parents he has never met.
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Looking back on his past hardships, a Father of six encourages students to keep their dreams alive and believe in themselves. “You are a WINNER, a CONQUERER and an ACHIEVER!” he passionately declares, emphasizing the importance of faith and resilience.
As he envisions a future where many can share their stories of triumph, Njoroge who now resides in the United States of America announced plans to publish a book detailing his experiences. “Soon, I will have this story in a book,” he shared with enthusiasm.
This inspiring narrative serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and a commitment to education, dreams can be realized, regardless of one’s circumstances.
By Calistus Imbayi.
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