Success starts with a dream, but you have to make it come true
What you need to know:
- Dream big, set goals and take action.
- I am glad that many youth are getting into innovation and enterprise, thus creating employment for other youth.
- I challenge those in universities to think of social initiatives that provide solutions to their problems.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I am a public policy consultant and have been in community service for the last 15 years. I have served at various capacities in the United Nations and currently – the Youth Advisor at the UN-Habitat. I hold a master’s degree in Public Policy from Duke University in the United States, a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance from the University of Nairobi, and a Diploma in Project Management from the Kenya Institute of Management.
What were you doing at 21?
I was an undergraduate student at the University of Nairobi, pursuing Bachelor of Commerce degree while working part time as a research assistant with the Institute of Policy Analysis and Research, and a volunteer at a community library in Korogocho, Nairobi.
Which of your personal attributes do you owe your success to?
Determination. I believe determination is power. No matter how hard things get, or how badly am pushed to give up, I look up, look forward and keep going.
Your advice to young people?
Dream big, set goals and take action. I am glad that many youth are getting into innovation and enterprise, thus creating employment for other youth. I challenge those in universities to think of social initiatives that provide solutions to their problems.
How can youth participation be enhanced?
Youth participation in Kenya is not just about age or numbers, it is about the great value and rich perspectives that they offer. On the other hand, youth must stop seeing themselves as people with problems to be solved, but as providers of solutions. We also need policies that will provide solid platform for youth participation.
Who are your mentors?
For my personality, I would say my mother. I owe the best in me to her. She instilled in me the spirit of hard work and the value of prayer from a tender age.
Professionally, I have for the last 15 years looked up to Dr Willy Mutunga, the former Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya. He taught me humility and courage to champion what is right.
I hosted him in Korogocho for his first and last public functions as Chief Justice. I find Dr Kofi Annan, former UN secretary-general incisive. As an aspiring UN secretary-general, I find his footprints useful. I also look up to US President Barrack Obama’s charismatic and transformational leadership style.
Your secrets to success?
I am a restless dreamer. Every achievement starts with a dream.
Self-discipline. I sleep for only four hours a day.
Networking. I reach out to people for ideas, perspectives and different forms of support.
Reading. I love books. I read a book a week. It is said that when you read you lead.
That one book that had an impact on you?
Everybody Matters: A Memoir by Mary Robinson, the first female president of Ireland, and the chairperson of the UN Human Rights Commission.
-Interview by Millicent Mwololo
