Calls on community to embrace education for all took centre stage during a Thanksgiving ceremony following graduation of Soar Kenya Academy Director James Yegon.
Yegon graduated with Bachelors Degree in Community Development from Egerton University.
The colourful event was held at Soar Kenya Academy grounds in Kilelwet, Barut Ward of Nakuru County and attended by guests from within and without Nakuru as well as Nigeria and USA.
Speaking during the event, Yegon recalled the hardships he encountered in his early life and school.
According to him, his journey in Nakuru began in 1996 when he enrolled in class 4 where he met his friend Joab Okello who later mentored him.
As fate would have it, he completed class 8 but he admitted that it was a journey of struggle.He would later join Tumaini Secondary School where he dropped out after the school was taken over by government and he could not pay school fees due to financial constraints.
After struggles here and there, he later enrolled at new Hopewell Secondary where he worked and paid his fee.
In 2006 he was employed at Hopewell where he sold water to make ends meet.
His, is a journey of resilience as he revealed that at some point in 2008, he tried touting in matatus plying Mogotio route.
In 2009 after stabilizing, he started his studies and also 2011 he did module 1,2,3 Diploma at RVIST and joined Egerton University where he did Bachelors degree in community development graduating on November 29, 2024.
He plans to go for masters either in Kenya or abroad.
“I thank God for this far and to assure you that I’m not yet over, for I am planning to go for Masters,” he stated.
The immediate past President Rotary Club of Nakuru has continued to engage in community work such as drilling water for the Community, supported the construction of a community dispensary, feeding and supporting widows, as well as supporting needy students through the established Soar Kenya Academy.
According to Yegon, over 12 students are assisted in other highschools through his efforts, friends and donors.
While terming SOAR Kenya Academy as one of the best schools in Nakuru West, Yegon called on parents to continue supporting the school.
“As a community we need to continue working as a team and we shall achieve more,” he stated.
Former MCA Rachael Maru who graduated together with Yegon was also in attendance during the Thanksgiving ceremony.
Maru who has been engaging in emergency rescue activities during accidents in Nakuru lauded Yegon for the achievement.
“I want to state here that in our class Yegon was our pillar and he led us well and as his colleagues we are very grateful,” she said.
She also called on residents to observe road regulations during this festive season.
“As we head to festive season, we need to be cautious on our roads. In Nakuru County we have a committee that deals with accidents and rescue on our roads.
We need to be careful during our travels and observe all the traffic rules and regulations,” said Maru.
Ruth Chepkirui Kioko who also graduated with Yegon termed Yegon as a legend in community.
She called on Yegon to ensure that he continues with the good work that he started.
Ms Ruth challenged society to take education matters seriously as it will help alleviate poverty and ensure transformation of society.
“We all have a responsibility to ensure our children get quality education so that we can help transform the society,” she said.
Area MCA Bernard Kirui who addressed during the ceremony recalled how they met at Tumaini Secondary school in Barut and how he used to support Yegon.
The MCA also called on locals to be cautious following the reported Mpox cases in Nakuru.
He at the same time urged residents to register on SHA for universal healthcare insurance.
The event was also graced by Rani Ramchandani from Rani Ramchandani Foundation, Rotary Club of Nakuru President Ephantus Wachira, and Past President Rotary Club of Nakuru Joab Okello who lauded Yegon for the continued support to society through various development agenda.
