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By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 18 December 2025 - When Engineering graduate Kelvin Gitonga strode across the graduation stage at Egerton University, it signified far more than the mere completion of a degree.
It was the triumph of a life that began in abandonment and was rebuilt through compassion, opportunity and relentless hard work.
“I would not be where I am today were it not for the people who refused to give up on me,” Gitonga said during a ceremony held in his honour at the Nyeri County Government Headquarter.
Born in Mathira Constituency, Gitonga was abandoned as an infant at a shopping centre by his mother.
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His survival depended on the intervention of well wishers.
He grasped the opportunities that set in motion a journey that eventually led him to academic excellence.
Nyeri County Government through the Department of Gender, Youth, Sports and Social Services supported the centre where he was enrolled, which also doubled up as his shelter.
“Karatina Children’s Home gave me a family, a sense of belonging and the discipline that shaped my future,” he said.
“This place will always be my home.”
In September 2019, he joined Egerton University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering.
The course, he said, was demanding both academically and emotionally.
“There were moments when the workload felt overwhelming, but I reminded myself where I was coming from and why I had to succeed,” he said.
“Giving up was never an option.”
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His training covered key areas including irrigation, farm power and machinery, green energy, waste management and food processing - fields that play a critical role in modern agriculture and environmental conservation.
Graduating with First Class Honours, Gitonga described the achievement as a victory not just for himself, but for every child growing up under similar circumstances.
“This degree is proof that your background does not define your destiny,” he said. “With the right support and commitment, anything is possible.”
He singled out the Nyeri County Government, led by Governor Dr Mutahi Kahiga, for sustaining Karatina Children’s Home and prioritising education for vulnerable children.
“The county government ensured we had food, shelter and education. These are the basic things every child needs to dream and succeed,” he said.
“Governor Kahiga’s leadership made this journey possible.”
Gitonga also praised the Department of Gender, Youth, Sports and Social Services for its continuous support, saying its dedication had transformed lives at the children’s home.
“The officers here believed in us and pushed us to aim higher,” he said. “Their support goes beyond duty; it changes lives.”
As he looks to the future, Gitonga says he hopes to use his skills to give back to society, particularly in advancing sustainable agriculture.
“My journey is a reminder that no child should be written off,” he said.
“Someone believed in me, and now it is my turn to make a difference.”
His story stands as a powerful testament to resilience, the impact of good governance and the life-changing power of education.
