Kisima Student (2007-2010)

Everyone who knows me knows how much Kisima School means to me. My time there shaped me in profound ways, from the academic opportunities to the discipline and values instilled in me by the leadership team. I almost didn't get a place at Kisima, and I was on the verge of returning to primary school, eager to continue my education when I received the life-changing news: I was in.

I grew up in Songa village, near Marsabit forest, about 25 km from Marsabit town. Unlike most parts of Northern Kenya, where livestock farming dominates, crop farming is common in my village. My father was one of the first to introduce crop farming to Marsabit, and our family's farm thrived.

However, around 1998, a devastating drought hit Kenya. Our village, including our farm, was severely impacted. It was a tough time for us, especially for a family with eight children to support.

The confirmation of my place at Kisima was a blessing. Without it, secondary education would have been out of reach for me. I enjoyed school, especially the opportunity to meet students from different ethnic groups across Kenya. This experience of diversity at such a young age has helped me in my work today, collaborating with people from all over the country. My Kisima friends remain like family, scattered across Kenya, but always in touch.

During my second year, I struggled with poor health. I vividly remember the kindness of the matron, Dorcas, who suggested I might need to go home to recover. I was determined to stay and prayed earnestly for healing, which came. I was able to stay at school and complete my education.

After Kisima, I joined my sister at Meru National Park, clearing bushes and guiding visitors. Soon after, I returned home and began working in livestock insurance, a job I enjoyed as it allowed me to meet many interesting people.

A conversation with a friend changed everything when he introduced me to EARTH University in Costa Rica. Through Skype, I toured the university, and my excitement grew. I applied and received a full scholarship to pursue a BA in Agricultural Science, with a focus on Engineering in Agronomy. Before the program started, I undertook an intensive two-month Spanish course.

During my first year at EARTH University, I interned in the United States. While I enjoyed the experience, it reinforced my desire to return home to Kenya after graduation.

Returning to Kenya for Impact

In 2016, I came back to Kenya, working with friends from Costa Rica to run a school for reformed child soldiers in Kenya and Uganda. We taught life skills, particularly farming, which was incredibly rewarding. Shortly after, I returned to Northern Kenya, partnering with an NGO to implement a climate-resilient agriculture program. Helping people from a background similar to my family's gave me a deep sense of purpose and reaffirmed my decision to return home. Since then, I've worked with about seven organizations, including World Vision and CAFOD. Currently, I'm with Village Enterprise, leading a poverty graduation program. This initiative, in partnership with the Kenyan government and local councils, aims to eradicate extreme poverty in rural parts of Africa.

Family and New Projects

In 2020, I married my wonderful wife, Tabitha Lesuuda. We now have three sons and live in Nanyuki, where we've found good schools for them.

My latest project focuses on launching an eco-lodge, restaurant, and agroecological farm that will serve as an educational center, located 35 km from Marsabit, along with a regenerative farm in Misigiyoi Village, Samburu County. This land, once barren, is now being restored with the goal of showcasing the potential of dryland agriculture. On my 8-acre plot, I've already planted 850 trees, and I've established a program to support farmers in both Samburu and Marsabit. A key part of this initiative is partnering with schools, where local children can learn about sustainable farming and how to tackle the unique environmental challenges of Northern Kenya.

While many see Northern Kenya as unproductive for agriculture, I see immense untapped potential. The long stretch from Laisamis to Karare holds vast tracts of land that could produce food for local communities and serve export markets. Though the journey to realizing this vision will be gradual, my pilot efforts aim to demonstrate the possibilities and open doors for future opportunities in the region.

Several Kisima alumni, including myself, have studied at EARTH University, and together, we are building a community with a shared vision of advancing sustainable agriculture in Kenya.

I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who continues to support Kisima School, making it possible for more young people to access the life-changing education I was fortunate to receive.