Burning charcoal to earning a degree: The inspiring journey of Kibet’s determination and faith

Samson Kibet during graduation
Samson Kibet’s journey from charcoal work to a physics degree shows how faith, resilience, and determination can inspire his community.

When Samson Kibet walked across the graduation square, he carried not just a degree but the hopes of an entire community.

His journey, etched with struggle and strengthened by faith, is a powerful reminder that greatness can rise from even the humblest beginnings.

Born and raised in Chepchoina Ward, Endebess Constituency in Trans-Nzoia County, Kibet’s path to higher education was anything but smooth.

As his peers prepared for school, he spent countless hours burning charcoal — not by choice, but out of necessity.

The money he earned paid his school fees, and the smoke-filled days laid the foundation for his academic pursuit.

“Every bag of charcoal I sold felt like a step closer to my dreams,” he says. “I knew God had a plan for me, even when the journey felt overwhelming.”

His persistence paid off. Yesterday, Egerton University conferred upon him a degree with a unique blend: 60% Physics and 40% Mathematics.

While these numbers may seem technical, Kibet sees them differently. To him, they represent the science behind life-saving breakthroughs — the physics powering X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasound machines that form the backbone of modern medical diagnostics.

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“These technologies save lives every day,” he explains. “I want to be part of the team that ensures they do.”

With renewed determination, Kibet now dreams of pursuing an MSc in Medical Physics and Radiology, a field he believes aligns perfectly with his calling — where scientific precision meets human compassion.

He envisions himself contributing to healthcare systems, ensuring that hospitals, especially in underserved regions, have reliable medical imaging services.

His journey has touched many who see in him a symbol of hope — a young man who refused to be defined by poverty, who turned hardship into fuel, and who trusted God every step of the way.

“From selling charcoal in Chepchoina to studying physics at Egerton, I’ve learned one thing,” Kibet reflects. “When God opens a path, no challenge can stop you.”

By Phillip Koech

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