Name: Joseph Muikamba
School: Kerugoya Boys High School
Community: Mirera
Story in 2023
I am Joseph Mulkamba Thion’go, born in 2005 in a family of four children. Both my elder sisters halted their education after completing Class Eight due to our family’s economic instability. Similarly, my younger sister performed well in Class Eight but had to attend a nearby secondary school due to financial constraints.
Football is my passion, and I actively play as a defender, which I excel in. Since I started playing, football has been a consistent source of inspiration, motivating me to practice rigorously to improve my skills. My football idol is Messi, even though he isn’t part of Manchester FC, the team I love.
My family, consisting of both parents, resides on inherited land from my grandparents. We cultivate this land to sustain our family with food. I hold my parents in high regard for their constant efforts to ensure our family’s well-being by providing clothing and food.
I have a keen interest in politics and enjoy staying updated on current and historical political events. I aspire to become a politician and lead our country towards economic stability while combating corruption. History, especially pertaining to governmental affairs, captivates me as it reveals the achievements, failures, and actions of leaders in our nation.
Reading stories, particularly those delving into the history of different communities, fascinates me. These stories allow me to understand and respect diverse cultures while also providing a sense of belonging within my own community.
I have a fondness for rabbits, sparked by my father’s previous experience with them, despite their unfortunate demise. Keeping rabbits not only provides me with a source of income during emergencies but also keeps me occupied, unlike other youth in our community.
Mathematics holds a special place in my heart as it’s integral in various aspects of life. I’ve dedicated myself to excelling in mathematics, aiming to become an accountant. I’ve been persistently working towards this goal, confident in my ability to achieve it.
During my free time, I enjoy exploring government structures, historical events, and the lives of successful individuals. It allows me to learn from their experiences and strive for improvement.
Moreover, I enjoy writing about historical aspects within our communities. This helps me enhance my writing skills and utilize my free time constructively, steering clear of negative influences and idle habits as ‘an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.’
Story in 2021
Joseph lives with his guardians at Mirera village. His guardian took him in after his parents were not able to take care of him and his four siblings. His mother lives with a disability and his father got injured while working at a construction site leading to partial disability.
“I took him in four years ago after it became apparent that he would end up as a street child. He had stopped attending school to fend for himself and his parents. His father had just suffered the accident and was incapacitated so there was very little he would have done to provide for his family. None of his elder siblings has joined high school. They have all dropped out due to the challenges at home. I would like his life to turn out differently.” Says his aunt.
Joseph is always jovial and very obedient, he helps out at home after school and he also rears some rabbits. He says “My guardians have really taken good care of me and my cousins always encourage me to work hard. I want to join high school because one of my cousins is in university and the others are in high school. I also want to have the same educational experience. I love playing soccer and I love mathematics, science and English subjects. I have a vision of becoming a banker in the future. I am inspired by the C.E.O of one of our local banks because he always gives back to the community.” says Joseph
Joseph is very excited about the scholarship and promises to work hard once he joins high school. His aunty says, “ I am grateful for this opportunity that has been offered to my son, his life will now turn out differently from that of his siblings. Thank you very much.”
