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What have you been up to since you graduated?
Since graduating in 2023, I have been working as a Senior Program Officer at Mercy Corps where I contribute to strategic, impactful and high quality implementation of a regional program across Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. The program focuses on supporting pastoralist and agropastoral communities to have inclusive, climate resilient and sustainable livelihood. This includes improving livestock productivity, enhancing access to efficient and profitable local and international markets particularly for women and youth and promoting inclusive policies and enabling environment.
I am also running a volunteer initiative that supports vulnerable women and girls in terms of mentorship, financial inclusion, safe space training and reproductive health.
What was your ambition for your career when you started at UEA? Did you have a specific career path in mind?
My ambition for my career is to work with international development agencies such as the United Nation and World Bank to promote the sustainable development agenda and economic growth through social policy investment and education.
Tell us about your experiences studying at UEA (how did you find out about UEA, what made you choose to study your subject, and what were your best days on the course?
My decision to choose international social development was influenced by long term career goals, previous experience and passion for community wellbeing through social inclusion, development in policy and sustainability. Coming from a remote region in Kenya, I have never heard of anyone from my community who has studied in the UK and I had no knowledge of any UK universities. So decided to google search about Universities offering international development courses and I came across UEA as one of the top universities in global development.
Studying at the University of East Anglia gave me the opportunity to learn about fascinating topics which are at the forefront of global development goals and on the agendas of key international development agencies. It gave me a chance to learn about theories, analytical skills and practice which inform more effective social development and take on challenges such as vulnerability, resilience, gender inequality, education and research. Moreover, interacting with international students and amazing lecturers were among the many moments that I always cherish. My one year course at UEA was also the most difficult chapter of my life. I started the journey as a new mum, reporting to school with my baby. Just two months in, I lost my father and that unimaginable loss broke me. But what really stood out for me was the unwavering support I got from UEA. My lecturers and course advisor became my pillars, checking on me, offering counselling sessions and reminded me I was not alone which gave me the strength to push forward. Because of that, I survived, completed my course with good grades and a heart full of gratitude.
In your career what key tasks & skills are involved on a day-to-day basis, and what are/have been the most rewarding/challenging aspects?
My work involves working with vulnerable pastoralist communities to ensure they have climate resilient, inclusive and sustainable livelihood. In my role, I lead high level donor reporting, coordination, risk management and case management. This tasks involve experience and skills such as project management, coordination and others. The most rewarding aspects is working with marginalised and forgotten pastoralist communities, particularly women and youth.
Has your degree influenced your career?
From my degree, I gained in-depth knowledge and practical skills in key areas such as rural livelihoods, social analysis, research methodologies, education policy, project management, gender and development, among others. This has really shaped my professional journey, directly informing and enriching every aspect of my program implementation. Studying at UEA, which is recognised as the best University in global development has also given me the confidence to deliver results with purpose.
What personal or professional achievement are you most proud of?
Like many other pastoralist girls from Kenya, I struggled a lot in my studies due to lack of resources, suffered risk of early marriage and other harmful cultural practices. I am incredibly proud to be the first one from my community to receive the prestigious Chevening Scholarship and study in the UK. Coming from a humble background in a historically marginalised community, this achievement represents more than a personal success.
I am also proud of my professional journey. Very few women have reached where I am today in my community and I attribute that to the grace of God, the unwavering support of organisations that have funded my education through scholarships, my family and community who continue to place a lot of hope in me.
What were your experiences of Norwich as a city? Is there anything in particular that you miss or have fond memories of?
Norwich is a beautiful city, calm but vibrant at the same time. I miss hanging out at the Castle and the Children's library with my child.
Would you recommend studying at UEA? Why?
I highly recommend studying at the University of East Anglia. As one of the top universities in the UK, UEA offers world-class amenities and foster supportive and enabling environment for all students. The UEA staff, both teaching and non-teaching are very humble, supportive and always willing to respond to students' needs. The University has also put in place measure to assist those facing academic and personal challenges.
Is there any advice you would give to current students, wishing to follow a similar career path to you?
Pursuing a career in international development is fulfilling, it offers a wide range of specialisations allowing you to focus on areas that align with your passion. With hard work, you may also get a chance to work across different countries and even lead global roles. My advice to current students is to participate in as many university activities as you can, build strong networks, volunteer whenever you can and enjoy the rich cultural opportunities the UK offers, particularly for the international students. Over and above that, try to learn a new language. Equipping yourself with an extra UN language like French, Spanish or even Arabic can be a game changer because international development can take you to non-English speaking countries.
What is next for you?
I am still learning and building my skills in the development field. Looking ahead, I aim to take on global roles in programs related to universal child education, economic growth and gender equality. I am also considering starting my PhD in the near future.