Year 3 in Higher Ed: A Year of Growth and Impact

Mentorship

This year, I witnessed one mentee’s dream come true with their acceptance to a prestigious Master’s program Boston MA. Guiding their success, along with five others on their unique paths, has been incredibly rewarding. While I honed my critical thinking skills through research and involvement in the Kenya-USA Tech (KUSAT) Forum, the real learning came from connecting with inspiring mentors and peers.

Beyond Academics: Entrepreneurship and Ed-Tech

Venturing beyond academics, I co-founded IwazoLab, a data analytics firm supporting Nairobi’s SMEs. Currently, we’re deeply invested in a data curation project alongside a team of dedicated volunteers. Witnessing their growth and learning alongside them as we tackle this challenging but impactful project has been incredibly rewarding. Our collaborative efforts are paving the way for valuable data insights that will empower Nairobi’s businesses. Additionally, I joined Sevenett LLC, an EdTech firm based in US and focused on bridging Africa’s technology gap. Currently, I’m spearheading partnerships to build coding skills in Kenyan primary schools. These ventures align with my commitment to education and leveraging technology for positive change.

Community and Faith

Mimi, I come from a village called KapKara in Kericho County. My faith remains a guiding principle. I am born again and also a farmer. So, Community and faith are pillars of my life. This last year, I continued to serve the lord at the International Christian Church (ICC) Kitengela, where I have the privilege of serving as a teens teacher and on the social media ministry. In KapKara, we are at the advanced stage of setting up a 50-capacity community library and a 40-capacity digital literacy center. The main objective of this is to not only build my people’s digital literacy but also prepare the next mini-Japheth Mursi’s in 10 years.

Innovation Hub at USIU-A

Being part of the vibrant Innovation & Incubation Center at USIU-A has opened doors to collaboration with industry partners on exciting projects. We’re currently seeking green and blue economy startups to join our program (details at USIU Startup Call). Furthermore, under Dr. Gabriel Okello’s leadership, we’re hosting our first international data science conference (details at USIU Data Science Conference ). Being part of this dynamic hub has spurred my creativity and fostered industry-academia partnerships, which I am passionate about and has contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth.

Leadership and Governance:

Adding another dimension to my academic journey, I’m honored to serve as a member of the KAG EAST University Council. In this role, I’ve played a crucial role in shaping governance policies, impacting the university’s strategic direction, financial management, and academic standards. Working collaboratively, we’ve ensured financial stability, fostered academic excellence, and championed the university’s interests. You can learn more about KAG EAST University at KAG EAST University website.

Year 3 has been a testament to the power of balance, passion, and a relentless pursuit of making a difference. I’m excited to see what the rest of my academic journey holds, and I can’t wait to share more of my experiences along the way! To God be the Glory!