Maina Samuel Kamau is already dreaming big at just 17 years of age. His vision extends far beyond the streets of his neighbourhood Githurai 44 in Nairobi County. Having scored a massive B+ in his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination, his dream of becoming an electrical engineer is already on the horizon. This desire has made him set his sights on Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, where he envisions himself acquiring the engineering degree. He is very determined to create a future that can help Kenya’s energy sector.
The build up to this journey started as a simple registration process at one of the Bridge Academies in Kamuthi while young. It was in this modest classroom at Kamuthi Academy where Maina learnt the value of hardwork, discipline and believed that education could change his life. Bridge was a launching pad for him to dream bigger and equipping him with strong academic skills that would later transform him to a different level. The support he received as a young boy laid the foundation for the exceptional student he has become today.
His father, Maina Kige, has been without a steady job for years, while his mother, Leah Wangui, earns a living as a tailor. The family has always struggled to make ends meet, especially when it came to school fees and basic necessities. However, through an Equity Bank sponsorship, Maina’s secondary school education was covered, allowing him to focus on his studies and nurture his love for electrical engineering.
Maina’s aspirations reach beyond personal success. He sees himself working for a leading company like Kenya Power, not just to uplift his family but to contribute to Kenya’s development. “I want to help my family, but I also want to create something bigger than myself, something that helps our country,” he says with quiet determination.
Maina is ready for the next chapter. His story, from the dusty streets of Githurai to his dreams of working in electrical engineering shows the importance of education even when the odds are stacked against you. It only requires the right foundation like the one he received while studying at Bridge to achieve greatness and success.
Maina’s journey is far from over. It’s just getting started
