Charles Nyagero, a resilient man from Kisii, is celebrating a remarkable achievement after graduating from Kenyatta University with a Bachelor of Education degree, 18 years after he first enrolled.
Nyagero first joined Kenyatta University (KU) in 2005, but his path was not smooth. As a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA), he faced challenges when university exams were scheduled on the Sabbath.
His religious beliefs prohibited him from taking exams on Saturdays, forcing him to make a difficult decision.
“I only completed four exams that weren’t on the Sabbath. Three units had exams on Sabbath, and one unit still went missing for reasons I can’t explain,” Nyagero shared in an interview.
To avoid further conflicts with his beliefs, Nyagero transferred to KU’s Ruiru campus and switched to a regular program. Despite the adjustment, financial difficulties soon followed.
His sister, who had been supporting him, stopped paying his tuition fees, and Nyagero found himself unable to complete his exams.
He continued attending classes but couldn’t sit for exams due to outstanding fees.
In 2009, a university strike led to stricter rules, preventing students with fee balances from taking exams. Determined not to give up, Nyagero took on various odd jobs to raise funds.
Although his academic journey was delayed, he never lost hope. His persistence paid off when he finally completed his studies in 2023.
On graduation day in December 2023, Nyagero chose to celebrate in a quiet yet personal way. He attended the ceremony for only an hour before heading to Nairobi to manage his bookshop business. Later, he watched the graduation event online.
“Despite the struggle, I thank God for everything,” Nyagero said, reflecting on his long journey.
