alumni stories

In the heart of Kenya’s most formidable prisons, a beacon of hope and transformation has shone for over two decades. The Strathmore Prison Education Programme (PEP), a visionary initiative that started as a modest distance learning effort in 2002, has grown into a multifaceted project profoundly impacting the lives of inmates and prison wardens at Kamiti, Nairobi West and Naivasha Maximum Security Prisons. This programme, fuelled by an enduring commitment to education and rehabilitation, stands as a testament to the power of learning to alter the course of human lives. Over the past few years, 100 students have benefited from the programme domiciled at the Community Service Centre, with 81 inmates and 19 wardens seizing the opportunity to transform their lives through learning. Initiated by a generous donor through the Kamaljeet Endowment Fund, the PEP began with the simple but revolutionary idea of providing educational resources to prisoners. Initially focused on distance learning, the initiative has since evolved into a comprehensive three-pronged approach including the provision of study materials, scholarships for KASNEB-related courses, and a unique sports program fostering camaraderie and physical well-being. According to Michael Babu, Manager, Community Service Centre, education remains at the heart of the PEP. Since its inception, the programme has equipped prisoners and wardens with the knowledge and skills needed to sit for the CPA exams, opening doors to future employment and personal development. “The PEP’s educational efforts are not limited to just providing materials; they also include setting up libraries, donating and repairing computers to establish computer labs, and ensuring that learners have access to the best possible resources. These initiatives underscore the programme’s commitment to fostering an environment where education can flourish even within the confines of prison walls,” says Babu. Beyond academics, the programme recognizes the importance of holistic development. Sports have become a vital component of the programme, serving as a powerful tool to build trust and rapport among inmates, wardens, and Strathmore University students. Annual football tournaments, once a highlight at Naivasha, are now being extended to Kamiti and Nairobi West Prisons. “These events not only promote physical fitness but also provide a platform for meaningful interaction and mutual respect,” adds Babu. A critical aspect of the PEP’s mission is the reintegration of former inmates into society. The programme’s commitment to transformation extends beyond prison walls, as evidenced by the inspiring journeys of former inmates who have successfully reintegrated into society. Success stories include Moses Ngugi, who graduated from Kenyatta University; Ernest Bwire, who became a motivational speaker in Uganda after 32 years in prison; and Mark Nakitare, who is currently pursuing his CPA. While these success stories highlight the potential for transformation and new beginnings, the programme continues to seek effective ways to support ex-inmates post-release. Collaborations with organizations like Nafisika Trust are being explored to provide better support systems for those stepping back into the community. Despite its successes, the programme faces challenges. Frequent transfers of scholars between prisons often disrupt their education, while the continuous change in prison management necessitates constant rebuilding of relationships and buy-in from new leaders. Additionally, access to the prisons was restricted during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, these restrictions are now being eased with the support of the Department of Correctional Services. Michael Babu is certain that the PEP remains a cornerstone of Strathmore’s community service initiatives. Plans to enhance technological learning, expand sports programs, and address the urgent need for stationery and textbooks are all on the horizon. “Through resilience and innovation, the Strathmore Prison Education Programme stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of education, offering a second chance to those who need it most and paving the way for a brighter, more hopeful future for all,” attests Babu. Article written by: Stephen Wakhu

Five years later, the Strathmore University Law School, class of 2018, finally reunited, and OMG! It was a reunion to remember. While some had reconnected over the years, this gathering marked a special occasion for many to come together once again, reminiscing about their shared experiences and bonds forged during their time at the university. The scene was set on the afternoon of Saturday, 2nd March 2024, at Strathmore University, which transformed into a vibrant hub of nostalgia and camaraderie. As early as 12:30 p.m., the alumni started coming in, passing by the registration table and eagerly catching up with deep hugs and loud laughs. Playful banter such as “Married yet? Where’s the little one? When’s “Ruracio”?” filled the air . At the back of the room, someone could hear a friendly nudge to the DJ: “Cheki DJ, siunaelwa these are our learned friends, please reduce the volume because their conversation is usually serious matters’ ‘… hihi… At 1:30p.m,  the event officially kicked off with a word of prayer followed by lunch, setting the stage for a series of engaging discussions and speeches from different guests. Christina Garashie, the manager of Strathmore University Alumni Relations, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, highlighting the importance of staying connected through platforms like Strathmore Connect. She also mentioned the upcoming alumni events and benefits, including mentorship opportunities and the 2024 Alumni Service to Society Award, urging alumni to continue voting. Next up was Ms. Janet Njambi, a lecturer from the Law School, who expressed her gratitude to the alumni for gracing the occasion and emphasized the potential collaborations to support alumni endeavours.     The highlight of the afternoon was the lively round of introductions, as a way of re-uniting, where alumni shared their current endeavours. It was fascinating to hear from them as each one had a success story to share. Some mentioned that they are law firm owners, others legal officers, and corporate commissioners, while others were advocates across various sectors. The keynote Guest Speaker, Fiona Makaka, the Security Assurance lead at Amazon, captivated the audience with her career journey from volunteering to corporate success. She urged them to curve their paths and never lose sight of their dreams. “Dare to dream big, and defy the odds,” she advised. She also shared insights on navigating life’s pressures, emphasising her own experiences. “I started by volunteering and during my years, I experienced significant pressure throughout my life. But I did not allow myself to fail,” she explained. One of the lessons she shared with alumni is to not feel pressured by anything and not to compare themselves to others. She encouraged them to always be engaged, seek help and guidance from different mentors, and explore diverse career avenues beyond traditional legal practices. “How do you find balance in work and social life, and how does your day look like in Amazon?” a question arose from the audience. “Most IT companies have the Working from Home days,” she responded, “so it’s always about finding balance. My day at Amazon involves meeting a lot of regulators, engagement, and honestly, it’s always great.”   The next speaker was Prof. Luis Franceschi, the Founding Dean of Strathmore Law School and the Assistant Secretary General of the Commonwealth.  “I am very proud of each one of you. You all have your own stories. Each one is unique,” he began. He shared some basic ideas of life using FCCF: Faith, character, competence, and friendship. He underscored the values of FCCF in shaping exemplary legal professionals, highlighting that the goal of SLS has always been to form good lawyers for the continent and the world. He further emphasised the importance of character and the ability to say NO to negative influences. As he looked at the alumni, he noted their maturity compared to their student days and he appreciated them for that. Prof Franceschi encouraged alumni to prioritise integrity, community engagement, and personal growth, stressing the importance of giving back and staying resilient in the time of challenges. In his reflective speech, he also urged alumni to innovate, nurture friendships, and never lose sight of their purpose.   Afterward, there was a moment of laughter and reminiscing about the good old days. The MC asked, “What’s the funniest nickname the students used to call you?’”“Kamuthungu,” the alumni answered. Finally, one of Strathmore University’s psychologists, Oscar Onyango Odhiambo, delved into the crucial topic of mental health, stressing the importance of self-care and seeking professional help when needed. His insights on behaviour recognition and the intersection of mental health and professionalism sparked a thoughtful discussion among the alumni. He addressed the concerns of managing stress and maintaining professionalism, finishing by explaining the reasons why someone should go for therapy. “You’re going through it. You need to talk,” he emphasised. “So even though you don’t feel like it, please always consider visiting a psychologist.” A moment was taken afterward for candle-lighting in remembrance of two departed classmates— Cindy Wakio and Mercy Teko—serving as a solemn reminder of the bonds that transcend time and space. Finally, Elius Kaburu, the director of the Alumni Relations Office, expressed his joy and gratitude for having the SLS class of 2018 present, summarising his speech in one word: “Purpose.” He echoed the sentiment of purpose, affirming the commitment to providing a nurturing space for alumni to thrive and connect. “When we started the alumni association, we wanted to create a safe space and an exclusive space for alumni,” he said.   As the event drew to a close, one of the alumni expressed gratitude to Strathmore University and hoped for future reunions. Alumni dispersed for a photo session and team-building activities, cherishing the memories and friendships reignited during this special reunion. Amidst the farewells and reflections, one sentiment rang true: Strathmore University had not only shaped their academic journey but also enriched their lives in ways they could never have imagined. Through the Strathmore University Alumni Relations office, thank you Strathmore University for bringing alumni together. We are one. Cheers!  ...

  Let’s begin with a toast ~ May the seeds we sow today create a path for inspired future generations!  It is in line with this popular belief that every 8th of March, the world unites to celebrate this uniqueness on International Women’s Day. This year’s International Women’s Day aims to emphasise the importance of its theme: to inspire inclusion, a theme geared towards ensuring women’s illuminating presence is not only seen but also valued and empowered. The goal is to encourage individuals and institutions to invest in women, recognizing their pivotal role in bringing about the societal changes we yearn for. Investing in women is investing in society. It is often said that women work twice as hard to produce similar results to their male counterparts. So, whenever a woman is thriving in any field, she gives hope to so many other women. She symbolises endurance, tenacity and wisdom. Additionally, women’s representation ensures that diverse perspectives and experiences are included in the decision-making process, leading to more innovative and inclusive solutions. You must be wondering, how do we go about this? They say the best way to uproot a tree is to start at its roots. Therefore, the best way to chart the course for women’s empowerment is to focus on learning institutions. A train that might have left the stations many years ago, with many learning institutions championing this course. However, out of the many learning institutions that have been fervent advocates for the ‘girl child’, Strathmore University takes the leading role in advancing this course. The learning institution has consistently shown its support for women in leadership through the introduction of a range of initiatives designed to encourage more women to take up leadership and entrepreneurial roles. The programs have ensured that women harness their strengths in the boardroom, enabling them to become more effective and efficient in delivering success. A good example is a program such as the ‘Women Directors Leadership Programme’ (WDLP). This program aims to shift the conversation from why women should be on boards and C-Suite positions to how they can elevate and perform for the board. The program, which is set to host its first cohort from May 28th to 31st this year, aims at equipping women in leadership positions with the necessary skills needed to become exemplary leaders. This program has also addressed the challenges women in leadership face by creating a forum for sagacious discussions, which have culminated in solutions and provided women with pertinent networks that have enabled them to advance in their careers. Furthermore, the Prestigious University has also championed the inclusion of women in the digital and technological space by partnering with Standard Chartered Kenya to launch the Women in Tech Incubator Programme. The 12-week program, which involved 15 applicants last year, saw 7 women-led start-up businesses receive an endowment of over Ksh 1.2 million. In addition, the program also offered women in the tech industry training, coaching, and mentorship from industry pundits, providing them with invaluable exposure to the tech business. For this year’s International Women’s Day, Strathmore Business School has liaised with the Kenya Healthcare Federation to assemble women in the health sector in an event to celebrate Women. The partnership aims at bringing together over 500 women leaders in the health sector along with key stakeholders in celebration of the milestones women, especially in the health sector have taken in taking up managerial roles. This journey towards fostering Women in the health sector to take up leadership positions is a course that Strathmore’s Business spearheaded with the aim of achieving gender parity. Last year, on 26th October, the implementing team hosted the first focus group discussion which aimed at addressing challenges and creating opportunities for women to take up leadership positions in healthcare. In addition to these programmes, Strathmore University has nurtured brilliant trailblazers who have broken the glass ceiling in the job market, putting the institution’s name on the map. This week, we are excited to showcase a couple of our remarkable alumni breaking barriers in their careers. Their stories will not only highlight their personal achievements but also shed light on the challenges they have overcome, serving as a source of inspiration to others. Join us as we celebrate the progress made and reflect on the work that still lies ahead in achieving gender equality and empowerment for all. With that said and done…. Happy International Women’s Day! This article was written by Gertrude Wachira , She is a Financial Economics student at Strathmore university. Her passions revolve around bridging the gap between finance, business, and communication, as well as public policy.

On Friday, the 22nd of September, 2023, Rodgers Githinji came back to Strathmore to have a chat with first year students at the Strathmore Law School. A trailblazer and a role model worth emulating, his insights captivated the students who attended the first of the SLS Alumni guest speaker series. In an interesting and practical interaction, Rodgers shared his experiences on good use of time, how to handle rejection, being daring and ambitious, and much more.   In his introduction and his Strathmore experience he had this to say: By the time I sat my first semester I didn’t even know how AMS works; while I am not proud of it, I am glad I eventually picked up the pace and managed to maintain it through the years. In order to distance myself  from bad company, I dedicated all my free time to productive endeavors. I enrolled for an evening course and by the time I graduated, I had a Diploma in Business Management and a CIM diploma. I also started a YouTube channel dubbed Nairobi Legal Insights. I can confidently affirm that my career started on YouTube, where I used to and still educate non-lawyers on contract law.   Responding to a question on how to make good use of time and what clubs he  joined while at Strathmore, he said: Most humans tend to be generally lazy, so dedicating an extra thirty minutes every day to a worthwhile venture sets you apart from the majority. Consider opening a LinkedIn profile and proactively develop it in readiness for the job market; authenticity in your experiences is crucial. Be intentional on the companies and connections you engage with. Success is access to information. Don’t ask for jobs on LinkedIn. Build your brand and create relationships. Relationships are organic, take time to build them. Use your social media platforms to build yourself and your profile, take advantage of LinkedIn especially. Be mindful of what you post on your social pages; avoid excessive focus on  your private life. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have fun, by all means do but try to strike a balance between your social life and the school work. Keep in mind that every online post contributes to a lasting digital footprint. Therefore, limit the personal information you post on your social media platforms, unless it relates to your career. Be mindful of your online presence as your social media content can influence your job applications, either securing you a job or earning you a rejection. Equally, it is  important to take advantage of the events that are held at Strathmore.   Please attend the events at the auditorium. They tend to bring good industry connections, yet as students we fail to take advantage and engage with them when they are readily accessible on campus. At the same time, please remember to develop great soft skills, maintain a positive social media presence, and cultivate respect for others. These qualities can significantly expand your horizons and unlock unforeseen opportunities. Value your time, use it efficiently and foster an independent mindset.   Another student asked him; how do you handle failure and rejection? As you transition, you will face failure and rejection. It’s part of life. If you don’t apply and put yourself out there nobody will know about you. Don’t be afraid of trying and failing; if you don’t try, you have already failed. If you never speak about yourself, nobody will know about what you are doing.  Sell your skills. Your work must show itself. Rejection only helps you get better at it. It builds your confidence and resilience. I keep a rejection folder. One of the first rejections that I received was  from Strathmore University when I applied to be a graduate assistant in 2020. Since then, I have faced many rejections along the way. It’s never been an easy journey since I tend to be daring and I am not afraid to apply for opportunities that are beyond my reach. But I believe that if you are consistent, you can achieve your dream. In today’s market, the demand is for the exceptional, the outstanding. For you to reach that level, you must excel in fundamental aspects. Leverage the insights provided by your lecturers to build networks and pave your way towards a successful career. Learn from your mistakes and keep upping your skill. Separate rejection from yourself; it’s not about you, it’s about your skills and how you present them. We leave SLS thinking that you are going to make quick money. The reality is different; be open to start at unpaid internships. A great internship can be  good training for the job and the market. It opens a door, helps you build networks and puts you ahead of the rest in case there is a job opening. Don’t let your best grades e limit your career options.  Think beyond traditional law firms and open your minds and skills to the many and varied sectors of our economy.   He concluded by saying: What people see as the end product has a great story behind it. Life is about giving and taking. Ask for help and be persistent. Your top three friends are going to either make you or break you. They can help keep you in check. At SLS, you are receiving the best education you can.   About Rodgers Rogers Githinji is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, with more than three years of experience in innovation and access to justice. He is currently a Junior Consultant at the Administrative Tribunal of the African Development Bank Group, where he provides legal and technical assistance to the Executive Secretariat of the Tribunal on international administrative matters and access to justice. He is both a 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow and a U.S. Department of State Professional Development Experience Fellow at the Central Bank of the U.S (Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis). While at the Fed, he spent time with the Bank’s leaders and was exposed to...

Who is Clara? Clara Rincuni is a communicator and marketer with a niche in digital communication. Tell us about your career journey My career began way back in 2013 when I joined Strathmore University as a Bachelor of Business and Information Technology student. During the holidays, my parents encouraged me to do something that will help me progress in my career. In the first year, I got a data entry opportunity at Safaricom PLC under the aegis of AIESEC, a club that I had joined when I was on campus. In my second year, my love for writing drove me to join Kwani Trust, a publishing firm. I got to edit written materials and became exposed to managing the firm’s social media pages. In my third year, I was determined to look for information technology related opportunities, and my sister suggested that I try looking for an opportunity at advertising agencies. This was the first time I had heard of advertising agencies. I was eager to try, and I was fortunate enough to be offered a position with Brand 2D. I was assigned the position of community manager, which required me to create material and administer social media profiles. This opportunity blew my mind, and I knew it was exactly what I was looking for because it combined two of my passions: technology and writing. Clara (right) speaking at Social Media Week   In my fourth year on campus, I set out to pursue an opportunity in the advertising business due to my previous exposure. I kept applying for opportunities until I got one at Bean Interactive where I worked for four years as a community manager before moving to strategic communications. In my fourth year at Bean Interactive, I was able to pursue my Master’s Degree in Communications at Daystar University because I felt the desire to expand my knowledge. In 2021, I felt I had grown enough in my career path to venture into consultation. It was a risk but hey, I was still young so I could always give it a shot. I was fortunate to work as a consultant with NRG media for six months where I collaborated with a team to develop and launch a mobile application. I still felt compelled to challenge myself and grow more. In January 2022, I stepped away from NRG. I took the time to re-strategize and began applying for jobs but I was unable to find what I desired. It is at this point that I thought of Esther Kinuthia, a friend from campus. I admired her spirit as she was eager to do more in order to position herself for greatness. Therefore, without hesitation, I reached out to her. She had assisted my friend in revamping her CV which had enabled her to get a job. Esther said to me, “I can assist you to edit your CV in a way that can help you sell yourself.” Esther gave me a template that I followed keenly, and it was able to communicate succinctly my skills and competencies. All this was done on her platform KOREE. You can check it out. I now had a powerful CV which was armor in my job hunt. Clara at World Food Programme (WFP) I focused on the UN agencies and guess what? In March 2022, the World Food Programme, a UN agency, called me for an interview which I passed! I was informed that in two weeks’ time, I needed to report to the head office in Rome, Italy. Despite the short notice, I made it there. I work in communications, marketing, and knowledge management. Although I work remotely, thanks to the new normal, I enjoy each day of work. How was your Strathmore experience?  While at Strathmore, I felt I was held in high regard and treated as one would a professional. This elevated my learning experience. I was able to carry with me the positive and character building experiences to the workplace which ultimately fueled my growth.   This article was written by Lynette Naisoi.   What’s your story? We’d like to hear it. Contact us via communications@strathmore.edu.