From Undugu, Silanga in Kibera to the classes of Strathmore University, Bossvill Witaba’s journey is one of grit and grace. This year, Bossvill graduates with First-Class Honors in Bachelor of Business Information Technology (BBIT), a feat he attributes not just to hard work but to the life-altering support of the Macheo Programme.
Growing up in a family of six, raised by a single mother, Bossvill faced the kind of odds that often swallow dreams whole. “I played for a local team called ‘More-Fire,’” he recalls, “but my mom pulled me out when she realized the older players were introducing us to hard drugs.” His descent into drug use started early. By Form One, his academics were in free fall. At Starays High School, lax discipline meant students like him barely attended class. “Eventually, the school gave up on us.”
But his story took a turn when his mother moved him to New Horizon High School, separating him from the friends who had been both his lifeline and his downfall. It was here that Bossvill first heard of the Macheo Programme. “The principal told me if I worked hard, I could qualify for Macheo. That changed everything.” He did work hard and was accepted into the program.
Stepping into Strathmore University for the first time as a Macheo student was a revelation. “It felt like a different world, clean, peaceful and beautiful. I even rode the lift several times just for fun. I couldn’t stop thinking about how bright the future could be.” But not everyone welcomed him. “Some avoided me because of my red eyes from drug use,” he says candidly. “But my character changed. My grades improved. I made new friends.”
Macheo became the catalyst for transformation. His mentor, Mr. Oliver Odoyo, was instrumental. “He helped me believe in the process. His support shaped who I am today.” Through consistent mentorship, extra classes, and a nurturing environment, Bossvill saw improvements in subjects he once dreaded. “I once bet with my teacher that if I got an A plain, she would give me Ksh 500, and she did.”
Despite scoring a C plain in KCSE, Bossvill never stopped pushing. “Your story today is not your story tomorrow,” he reflects. Thanks to Macheo and a full scholarship, he enrolled in Strathmore University’s DBIT programme during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the times were hard, often lacking food and devices for online learning, he found support in the Macheo office, where he accessed a desktop to attend class.
Balancing work and study during his degree programme was no small feat, but he emerged victorious. “I majored in Networking, and I now aspire to become an expert in security and cloud technologies.”
What drives Bossvill now is the desire to give back. “It feels incredible to mentor kids in Macheo, to help them believe in themselves. I see myself in them.” His dream is to uplift others through education and community outreach, and to one day support underprivileged students in realizing their full potential.
To young people in marginalized communities, Bossvill offers this message: “Don’t give up. Your current grades don’t define you. I wasn’t a C student, I just needed to put in more effort. Be proactive. Seek help. Your dream is valid.”
For Bossvill, Macheo, which means “sunrise,” now symbolizes the rise of untapped stars in society. And today, as he awaits to don his graduation gown on June 27, 2025, he shines as one of them.
Article written by Stephen Wakhu
