My Journey: From Timidity to Confidence & Resilience

I was born at a defining moment in my country’s history—the peak of the fight for independence. As the 4th born in a family of 12, I grew up in an era that shaped my identity and outlook on life. Looking back, I suspect that being born during such uncertain times influenced my early character traits—timidity, shyness, and a lack of confidence.

The generation I belong to—the Baby Boomers of this part of the world—grew up with an unspoken rule: we were not born to be heard, only to be seen. In many ways, that silent expectation shaped us. Communication within the family was often non-verbal—one look from my mother’s eyes was enough to know exactly what she was saying. We learned discipline, obedience, and responsibility at a very young age.

Life is a journey filled with lessons, challenges, and defining moments that shape who we become. My story is one of growth, resilience, and transformation—one that has led me to a deep passion for building confidence and resilience in all ages.

Early Lessons in Responsibility & Resilience

Growing up in a large household meant that responsibility was not optional—it was a way of life. Taking care of younger siblings, fetching water, tilling the land, and gathering firewood were not just chores; they were daily standing orders. And all this had to be done alongside schoolwork, under the watchful eyes of strict teachers who demanded both excellence and discipline.

One of the greatest challenges we faced was access to water. With no piped water available, our mothers and sisters had to walk several kilometers each day to fetch a single 20-liter container. To alleviate this problem, the older boys in our community—also from the Baby Boomer generation—came up with an innovation: a special cart called the “Kurukuru”. Built on four wheels, this cart could carry four 20-liter containers per trip, drastically reducing the burden on our mothers and sisters.

We inherited this innovation and, in doing so, learned an important life lesson: problems are opportunities in disguise. Even as children, we found ways to solve real-world challenges, a mindset that would later define my professional and entrepreneurial journey.

Building Confidence: The Power of Pushing Forward

One of the greatest lessons I have learned in life is that one “yes” dwells in the company of many “nos.” Confidence and resilience are built in the pursuit of the next yes—learning to push past rejections, failures, and setbacks, knowing that success often comes to those who refuse to quit.

Educational and Professional Journey

Despite the early challenges, I completed secondary school and high school before earning a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Nairobi and served as an Agricultural Research Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Determined to advance my knowledge, I joined McGill University in Canada, where I earned an MSc in Food & Agricultural Chemistry. Returning home, I continued serving in the Ministry of Agriculture before transitioned into corporate leadership, taking on roles that strengthened my expertise in business, sales, and marketing:

• East Africa Industries (Unilever Kenya)– Business Unit Manager
• DiverseyLever – Sales & Marketing Manager
• Haco Industries – Sales & Marketing Manager
• Unga Holdings Limited – General Manager

My experiences in research, corporate leadership, and business eventually fueled my desire to become an entrepreneur in agricultural value addition. I founded Dawn Horizon Chemicals Limited, a venture still in the development phase focused on the development  of low-cost vegetable oil extraction, natural cosmetics, biofuels, and sustainable agricultural and water hardness solutions. 

My Mission: Empowering Others to Build Confidence & Resilience

Having experienced firsthand the power of resilience, I am now committed to equip people of all ages with the confidence and resilience needed to thrive in life’s journey.. Through life coaching, mentorship, and speaking engagements, I strive to inspire individuals to overcome self-doubt, build lasting confidence, and develop resilience in the face of adversity.

Join the Journey

Whether you are a student facing self-doubt, a professional navigating career transitions, or someone seeking personal growth, I invite you to learn, grow, and walk this journey with me. Confidence and resilience are not traits reserved for a few—they can be built, strengthened, and mastered by anyone willing to push forward.

Let’s embrace the journey together. Let’s build confidence. Let’s cultivate resilience. Let’s thrive!