When Kosgei Liyosi received the news of being absorbed into our education scholarship program in 2004, he was very glad that a wonderful opportunity had presented itself for him to further his academic ambitions. The news ushered in new prospects in his life and additionally breathed life into the plans and goals he had set forth to achieve later in life as a grown man.
“It was a bliss for me. I was filled with a lot of happiness. I realized that my dreams and vision in terms of academic excellence was going to be achieved,” Kosgei shares.
Kosgei’s life at the time wasn’t a walk in the park as challenges were many in his family and meeting some of the family’s basic needs was hard. He lived with his grandmother after his mother passed on.
The situation changed gradually in the family after Kosgei was admitted to the UKR program. The family was relieved as UKR funded his educational needs. He received support in school fees, upkeep and all the school requirements for his primary and high school education.
Through UKR’s support, Kosgei’s high school life turned out amazing. He was in science, mathematics and Chemistry clubs. It was at Nyang’ori Boys high school that he made lots of good memories. He showed improvements in his academics and personality.
“I found so many mentors. Most of my subject teachers were my close confidants. They used to guide me. Life in Nyang’ori Boys High School was anchored on a strong Christian foundation. I found myself growing morally upright,” said Kosgei.
Kosgei was a promising student who utilized every chance he got to produce a stellar performance in class. The grades he earned while in school depicted his abilities and the huge potential he had. While in high school, he served in the school cabinet and that’s where his leadership skills were nurtured.
With the outstanding performance he produced after sitting for his high school exit exams Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), Kosgei received a call up in 2018 to join University of Nairobi (UoN) in Nairobi to study a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry as he was passionate about sciences.
UKR has been supporting Kosgei’s university education since with university fees, a living stipend, and upkeep money among other requirements. The support has helped light up his days and made life in the university comfortable.
He shares that life on campus has been amazing and as each day passes he reflects on how he is one step away from greatness. He believes that with the empowerment he has received from United Kenya Rising sponsorship he will be able to serve a greater cause and impact the lives of people who have been in the same situation as he was in many years ago.
“At university, life is bright each day. I get to experience different facets in life. My driving force has been my background. I need to transform my current situation and status. I need to be empowered academically, be connected to the corporate world and afterwards be able to empower other less privileged in the society or children in the community,” Kosgei shares.
On campus, his passion for leadership steered him into campus politics. He was elected as the Student President for the Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi – Chiromo Campus. His major duty involves championing for students’ rights, a role which he notes is shaping and widening his spectrum of experience.
“It is a golden opportunity to be a student leader. UoN encompasses student leaders to the corporate world in a huge dimension. As a student leader you are able to practice leadership skills that you can apply in the corporate world. I find it so amazing. I am being shaped and trimmed into the exact person that the society would wish to have,” Kosgei narrated.
In the spirit of giving back to the society that helped him, Kosgei has for the past 2 years been volunteering during his university long holidays at UKR’s Amalemba offices in Kakamega. He assists the education and public health departments with office work. And occasionally he goes along with staff to help with one thing or another during a family visit.
Currently in his fourth year of study at the University of Nairobi, Kosgei says he is indebted for UKR’s support. He acknowledges the huge role UKR and its sponsors have played in his academics and life in general.
“Much thanks and appreciation to UKR for the support they have accorded me from primary education to tertiary education. My journey has always been fueled by their continued support. I would wish them to continue with the same spirit in realization of the dreams, visions, and potentials of so many students who are disadvantaged in our society,” he said.
Am so happy for our dear brother indeed when determined everything goes well congrats kosgey