“Sasa school fees itatoka wapi?” A tough question that lingers in the minds of many students, whether in class or just strolling around, wondering how to ease the financial burden on their families. For some, this worry becomes too heavy, forcing them to put their dreams on hold. To help ease this burden, Strathmore University has established various initiatives, including the Strathmore Vice Chancellor’s run, Staff Giving, and #ElimishaStratizen, among others. These programs provide crucial support, ensuring that financial constraints do not stand in the way of education.
One beneficiary of these initiatives is Boniface Mokaya. For him, the burden of school fees wasn’t just a passing thought, it was his daily reality. He didn’t have the luxury of waiting for a solution; he had to make one. From construction work to selling tomatoes on commission, he hustled however he could just to make ends meet.
One thing he knew for sure? Numbers were his playground. Math came so naturally, he could do it with his eyes closed. From primary school through high school, it was his strong suit, earning him a chance to pursue a university degree in that field. Then came the university chapter in 2022, his opportunity to spread his wings. His dream was to pursue a Bachelor of Business Information Technology (BBIT), but reality hit hard, finances weren’t in his favor. Did he give up? No chance. Instead, he pivoted and signed up to pursue Certified Public Accountant (CPA) at Strathmore University, determined to take every step possible toward his goals. But without finances, he still felt stuck, as if his dreams were slipping further and further away.
When he received his admission letter, he immediately began the long and uncertain process of applying for a scholarship. Every application came with a prayer, hoping for just one chance to be considered. Then came the words that changed everything: “You’ve been awarded a full scholarship…” “I had almost given up on my studies, but when I received the call, I was ecstatic! It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders,” he recalls with gratitude, reflecting on the moment that turned his dreams into reality.
With the financial burden lifted, Boniface was determined to make the most of his opportunity, pushing himself to excel in his studies. CPA Section 1 to 4? Done and dusted. CPA 5 and 6? Well underway. “The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification is no walk in the park: the rigorous exams, and intense workload demands discipline, perseverance, and countless hours of study.”, Boniface reflects as he Juggling studies, work, and life isn’t easy.
In 2024, through the Work-Study Program, he landed a job as a Sales Representative at the Alumni Gift Shop. For three months, he balanced work and studies, gaining hands-on experience in sales, customer service, and time management; all while tackling the demanding CPA coursework. Then came another breakthrough. In April 2024, he landed a position as a Project Assistant at Strathmore University Foundation (SUF). This role opened even more doors, giving him valuable insight into project management, teamwork, and professional growth. Each experience added another layer to his journey, proving that hard work, persistence, and seizing the right opportunities can transform challenges into stepping stones for success.
Celebrating the “Hidden Figures” Behind the Light
Scholarships are more than just financial aid; they are a lifeline, a bridge between aspiration and achievement. They turn dreams into reality, opening doors that once seemed out of reach and paving the way for a brighter, more promising future. But behind every scholarship recipient stands an unseen hero—a donor, a mentor, a supporter—whose generosity and belief in others become the fuel that drives transformation.
No matter the amount, no matter the giver, every act of giving is a light shining in the darkness, guiding someone toward success. As Mokaya, a grateful scholarship recipient, puts it, “I am deeply grateful to the donors and partners who make scholarships like this possible. Thank you for your generosity.” His words echo the sentiments of countless students whose lives have been changed through the kindness of those who believe in the power of education.
An Opportunity to Make a Difference
The 2025 Strathmore University Vice Chancellor’s Run champions this very cause with its powerful tagline: “Run for Scholarships.” More than just a race, it is a rallying call:a movement that brings together students, alumni, faculty, and well-wishers in support of a noble initiative. Every step taken, every stride made, contributes to a greater mission: ensuring that more students have access to education, regardless of their financial background.
Join us as we lace up our running shoes, not just for the thrill of the race, but for the future of countless scholars who dream of making a difference. Together, let’s be the light that illuminates their path forward.
Register here today: https://vcrun.strathmore.edu/register/
Article written by Teresa N. Makokha
