If courage, resilience and optimism had a face, it would surely belong to Dr Leonard Ouma. His journey from humble beginnings to academic and professional success is a testament to perseverance and the power of persistence.
Dr Ouma’s story began in Kitawa village, Suba South Sub-county, Homa Bay County. Born into a low-income family, he pursued his education against great odds. After excelling in his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams, he earned admission to the prestigious Kanga Boys High School. However, financial limitations forced him to attend Ranen SDA Secondary School in Migori, where his elder brother was a pastor.
Despite his hard work, Dr Ouma narrowly missed the cut-off for a public university placement. In his community, such setbacks often left young people with limited choices. Many turned to fishing or other manual work to make a living.
Determined to create a different path, Dr Ouma joined Kisumu National Polytechnic where he earned a Diploma in Civil Engineering. After graduation, he found employment with private firms, working alongside experienced engineers who fuelled his ambition to excel in the field. In 2008, he joined the Ministry of Roads as a roads officer and later moved to the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), where he remains to this day.
His career path led him into politics, where he aimed to serve as a Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Gwassi North Ward in Homa Bay County. However, a rival, also a civil engineer, questioned his qualifications, disparaging his polytechnic diploma compared to a university degree.
This challenge prompted him to expand his academic credentials. Dr Ouma enrolled for a Bachelor’s programme in Purchasing and Supplies Management, followed by a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, both at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
He later pursued a Master’s in Project Management and recently completed a PhD in Business Administration and Management (Strategic Management) at Kenya Methodist University (KeMU).
Even after his PhD, Dr Ouma’s academic journey continues. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Civil Engineering, with aspirations to study Law in future to advocate for marginalized communities.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr Ouma urged young people to embrace the philosophy of persistence. Quoting Calvin Coolidge, he said: “Nothing can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent…Persistence and determination are omnipotent.”
Dr Ouma is passionate about technical and vocational education, lamenting the stigma around Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Kenya. He believes TVET institutions offer practical skills essential for national development and could help curb youth unemployment.
“I am a testament that one can go through TVET institutions and still reach the pinnacle of academic achievement,” he said.
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His advocacy echoes President William Ruto’s recent call for parents to encourage their children to consider TVET courses.
Speaking at the Nyeri National Polytechnic’s centennial celebration, President Ruto emphasized the need for a new assessment system for TVET students, recognizing practical skills over traditional academic qualifications.
Dr Ouma’s commitment to education extends to his charitable efforts. Through his Mkenya Education Fund Foundation, he has provided bursaries totaling Ksh2.5 million to support over 110 students through secondary school, college and university.
At KeMU’s recent graduation ceremony, where Dr Ouma was honoured, Chancellor Prof Kobia Ataya urged graduates to embrace adaptability and lifelong learning.
“The challenges you face do not define you; it’s how you respond to them,” Prof Ataya said. “The quality education you have received equips you to become agents of societal transformation.”
Dr Ouma’s story serves as a powerful reminder that resilience, determination and courage to overcome obstacles are key to success.
By Rodgers Wagura
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