The Testimony Behind the Gown and Cap
GRADUATION SPEECH
14/12/2025
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Today, I stand before you as living proof that God’s grace is not theoretical. It is real. It carries you, lifts you, and sometimes even drags you when you feel like giving up. If you are looking for a testimony—well, here I am.
To be honest, this journey has not been easy. There were moments I almost gave up. Times I asked God, “Are You sure You meant that I should take this course?” I held onto His promise in Isaiah 43:1–4—that He would be with me through the waters and the fire. But brethren… I can confess… those waters were deep, and that fire was HOT! At some point even my ulcers developed ulcers! But I thank God for the people He placed around me—those who kept reminding me, “Joshua, you are strong. You will make it!”
My journey began in 1995 at Kaloleni Church Nursery School. Tr. Rose Oyengo and the late Tr. Beatrice laid a foundation that I still stand on to this day. In 1997, I joined Kaloleni Primary School all the way to class eight. I am deeply grateful to all my teachers—especially Mr. Anzaya who made Maths feel possible, and Mrs. Ndirangu who taught me Kiswahili with passion worthy of national TV.
With 375 marks, I was called to Njoro Boys High School. My father had lost his job just as he has said. People told him, “Just take the boy to a nearby day school. Fees is too much.” I wisely kept quiet, waiting to see the faith of the man whose name I carry.
Three days before reporting, my father told me, “Kuja twende mahali.” We walked quietly—like Abraham and Isaac on the way to the mountain. Only he knew the mission. When we reached Shah Outfitters, he pulled out the uniform list, and the attendants began packing everything. That is how I joined Njoro Boys. A miracle in motion.
Life at Njoro Boys was a mixture of joy and hardship. Joy was music festivals and CU functions. Hardship was the class teacher walking in with the dreaded fee arrears letters. In Form Two I was sent home, and my dad did everything humanly—and spiritually—possible to get me back. In Form Three I walked more than 10 kilometres after my fare got stolen. I was prepared to walk all the way home—30 kilometres—until a well-wisher rescued me.
Then came Form Four. The class teacher sent almost everyone home for fees—but somehow I remained. Not because I had paid—far from it. When I asked why, he said, “If I send you home, I know you won’t come back.” God used him to keep me in school.
In 2008 I finished my KCSE with a B-. I qualified for university, but life said, “Not yet, Joshua.” My sibling needed to join secondary school, so I stepped aside. I began hawking in Nakuru town. If you bought undergarments between December 2008 and May 2009—you may actually have contributed to my destiny without knowing it!
Later I learned painting and decoration at Nakuru Youth Polytechnic, thanks to Mr. Kombo. For two years I volunteered at Racetrack Primary School, where I later worked for six years.
But because of a fee balance, I could not collect my certificate until 2010—thank God for my grandmother, Berineta Ndetta, who stepped in. In 2011, encouraged by Mrs. Macharia, I enrolled for a Certificate in ICT. A three-year course took me five years. I deferred several times—but finally, by God’s grace, I completed. I still remember the finalist breakfast at the Hilton Hotel in 2016. But please, allow me to leave that story suspended… like a well-written series.
In 2018—ten years after finishing Form Four—my university dream woke up again. During a youth team-building session, Dr. and Mr. Seka encouraged us to pursue higher education. Like Nicodemus who went to Jesus at night, I secretly sought information—and soon after, I joined Egerton University.
Balancing work, family and studies was not easy. Sometimes I arrived late; sometimes I missed classes; sometimes I felt like a mobile phone battery on 2%—but without a charger. For one whole year, I survived on nothing but office tea so I could save money for fees. Rodgers, if you ever wondered why I took more than two cups—now you know. That was breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Then 2020 came. Covid-19 froze everything. When learning resumed online, I faced serious financial struggles. But God sent help through HELB, Nakuru East CDF, Rattansi Foundation and Nakuru County Bursary.
Ladies and gentlemen, what should have taken four years took me slightly over seven. My age mates have completed Masters, some even PhDs… and there I was, still fighting for my first degree. People would innocently ask, “Bado hujamaliza shule?” And inside, I would answer, “Najaribu, brother… najaribu.”
But somewhere along the way, God gave me a beautiful blessing—I met the love of my life. We got married in 2022. So even if the journey was long, it was not wasted. It was divine timing.
I completed my final paper in June 2021. I was excited. I just knew that only the research project was remaining. It was my hope and desire to graduate in 2021 as was scheduled. Little did I know that it would take me four more years. First it was the project. I struggled with my supervisor who took me rounds for over a year. I felt heartbroken and almost gave up. Following up of marks. This was another tough hurdle. I became a common figure at the faculty; you would think I got employed there. But no! I was just following up the marks for myself and my classmates. Eventually both the marks and research project were concluded in mid-2023. Some of my colleagues graduated in 2023 but for me the struggle wasn’t over yet. I was slapped with three resits. Compounding this with my fee balance, I thought I was never meant to acquire a degree. However, through encouragement from my wife and financial support from my siblings, I took the bold step. I took the three units in July this year 2025 and passed. That’s how I made it to the graduation list.
And today, as a graduate in the class of 2025—over seven years later—I stand strong, grateful, and unashamed. For the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” This is my time.
To anyone facing delays, discouragement or financial challenges—keep going. Your story is not over. If God carried me, He will carry you too.
I want to sincerely thank my parents for their advice, emotional and spiritual support. Your prayers kept me going.
I want also to thank my siblings for being there for me. Thank for the encouragement and financial support especially towards the end. Thank you so much.
My wife, my encourager and partner—who never stopped believing in me. You saw how things weighed me down but in all my lowest moments you kept saying, “You will finish. God will help you.” Thank you so much dear.
My son Jeremy, you maybe young but you inspired me to complete the course. Seeing you grow so fast propelled me to complete the race so that I may make way for you.
My classmates, I appreciate the time we shared at the University. You called me governor; I believe one day that name will be remembered. Thanks for your support. It was pleasure learning together with you.
My lecturers, thanks for your delivery of courses that enabled me attain this level of academic success.
My transport guys, Thanks for assisting in my movements during my schooling even when I didn’t have money to pay you. You are part of this success.
My choir, Sunday school and church, when I started, you supported me and prayed for me. I also in a special way wish to appreciate my Sunday school teachers, Phyilis Maina, Justus Amukhale, Haron Okiya and Sylvanus Inyangala among others. Not to forget Masaka and Pius.
My workmates at both Racetrack and Xplico Insurance, I appreciate your support and encouragement.
My spiritual son, Mervine Ongaya. Thank you for believing in me and following up with me in every step. Be blessed.
To everyone who supported me in any way—may God bless you abundantly.
And finally, I close with a Scripture that has carried me through:
Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.”
Thank you, and God bless you all.
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