- Enock Okong’o encourages candidates to approach their examinations with confidence, discipline and determination.
- He draws lessons from people whose difficult beginnings did not prevent them from rising to prominence.
- Teachers, too, are reminded that their commitment today can shape tomorrow’s leaders and professionals.
As the third term approaches and candidates are preparing for their examinations, especially the KCSE, I would like to send my early words of encouragement to them by telling them: Yes, you can — only by not looking at your past.
Are you a student from a weak financial home background, but you are in school by God’s grace?
This message is for you.
Read it. Internalise it.
And then stand up to seize your rightful position in society — by working hard and being honest in class.
This message is also for teachers. Your diligent work of shaping learners will not go in vain. The student sitting quietly at the back today may be the one leading this nation tomorrow. Keep teaching, keep correcting, keep believing.
Your past explains where you started. It does not decide where you finish. Many people began with pain, poverty and rejection, yet they refused to stay there. Their lives moved in stages — from struggle, to learning, to leadership. You can follow that same path.
In the 13th century, Sundiata Keita was born a prince of the Mandinka in Mali. As a child, he could not walk. People called him weak and he spent years in exile. But through determination, he stood up, then led armies and finally united warring kingdoms to build the Mali Empire. One of the greatest empires in African history came from a boy who was once told he would never walk. His life shows that weakness at the beginning can become strength at the end.
Centuries earlier, the Bible tells us about Mephibosheth, grandson of King Saul. At age five, he was dropped by his nurse while running from war. Both his feet were crippled for life and he grew up in Lo-Debar. He had no land, no power and little hope. But King David remembered a promise to Mephibosheth’s father, Jonathan. David brought him to the palace, restored his family land and gave him a permanent seat at the king’s table. His story shows that being broken or forgotten does not disqualify you from honour.
In the 1980s in Kenya, Johnson Sakaja was born prematurely. His mother had already lost three children before the birth of his eldest sister. Sakaja has recounted that he was born prematurely and required incubator care at another facility. Starting life in an incubator did not stop him. He went to school, became a student leader, served as a Senator and, in 2022, was elected Governor of Nairobi. Today, he links his own story to his push for better maternal and newborn care. His life proves that a fragile beginning can lead to strong leadership.
Also from Kisii County, Chief Principal Albert Ombiro began his journey in a simple rural school, St. Peter’s Keberesi. He later moved to St. Paul’s Gekano before serving at Cardinal Otunga Mosocho High School. His record of leadership continued to grow until he was appointed to serve as Kenya’s Education Attaché in China. His life shows that you do not need to start in a national school to finish on a global stage.
From a poor rural home background, Professor John Akama was raised and supported in education by his mother. He went to Itibo High School in Nyamira County. From there, he proceeded to various universities, studied hard and rose through academia. He later became the founding Vice Chancellor of Kisii University. His journey shows that a humble home does not limit how high you can rise in education and leadership.
From humble beginnings to leadership
Dr Fred Matiang’i also rose from a poor home. He studied at Kisii School and began his career as a classroom teacher. Through hard work and service, he rose to become Cabinet Secretary for Education and later Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Security. Today, he is seeking the presidency in 2027. His journey reminds teachers that the learner you teach today, and the dedication you give in class, can lead to national leadership.
One day, retired Pastor Harrison Moronya told teachers of Kenyenya Sub-county to work hard and believe in God to bless them. That word has come to pass. Many teachers from the area have been promoted to various positions. The latest is former Kisii County KUPPET Chairman Laban Ouko, who has been appointed Teachers Service Commission Teacher Development Officer. It is proof that faithfulness in service and trust in God opens doors.
In 1961, Barack Obama was born to a Kenyan father and an American mother. He was raised largely by his mother and grandparents and moved between Hawaii and Indonesia. Instead of letting questions of identity break him, he studied hard, worked in communities, wrote and spoke. In 2008, he was elected the 44th President of the United States, becoming the first Black president in American history. His life shows that feeling like an outsider can teach you how to connect with everyone.
In Uganda, Idi Amin was born in Koboko and had little formal education before joining the colonial military. He rose through the ranks and, in 1971, seized power and became President of Uganda.
So what is blocking you?
Is it school fees? Is it the name of your primary school? Is it people telling you that you will not make it?
Sundiata could not walk. Mephibosheth was crippled. Sakaja was born too early. Ombiro started at St. Peter’s Keberesi. Professor Akama came from a poor rural home. Dr Matiang’i started as a classroom teacher. Pastor Moronya’s word to Kenyenya teachers is bearing fruit. Obama was told he was different. None of them allowed the first chapter of their lives to write the last one.
Yes, you can
Candidates, the KCSE is not a test of your background. It is a test of your preparation.
God’s grace brought you to school. Now your hard work and honesty will determine how far you go. Sit in front. Ask questions. Revise daily. Do past papers. Respect your teachers. Help others. The examination room is where your preparation will be tested.
Teachers, keep going. The seeds you plant in class may take years to grow, but they will grow.
Let your past teach you, but do not let it trap you.
Lack is information, not destiny.
Rural is not final.
Broken can be mended.
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Get up. Take your notes. Take your position.
Walk into that examination hall knowing: Yes, you can.
Build your life — one honest lesson at a time.
By Enock Okong’o
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