Life in Uni… and the girl from Meru Here we were, a bunch of freshers; a group of rookies with no cares and worries in the world. We chit chatted and giggled while waiting for the lecturer. That day, he actually never showed up! We felt quite achieved. Reason; this was not any other Uni but “The Main Campus” or simply “Main”; University of Nairobi’s main Campus right at Nairobi’s CBD. In fact we always ensured that we stressed the “The” part of UoN when in conversations with our buddies from other universities, just so that we can elicit some reaction! Naughty fellas… We were all B.A’s (Bachelor of Arts). At UoN, B.As were kind of looked down upon-academically speaking. A fact that automatically earned us constant dissingfrom the Scientists who hailed from the land of the living and the dead-or simply Chiromo Campus, as well as from the Engineers -a block in between Norfolk Hotel and Central Police. But we really didn’t care. Or at least we did not let it show on our faces especially when we were all together like this particular chilly November morning. The MPH (Multi Purpose Hall) at the 8-4-4 Building, is quite the lecture theater. It would comfortably accommodate more than a thousand students at a go and was mostly used for huge classes like the B.A Common Courses which were compulsory for all of us in first year. This particular morning, we must have been here for one of those, and the lecturer hadn’t yet arrived. These were our early days in Uni, we did not even have a class rep, and so when the lecturer delayed, we would hang around the lecture theater for like thirty minutes after which we would “decide” that the lecturer is not coming and leave for our respective halls of residence. That would mean a few more hours of “unplanned rest”, something that was always welcome! But just before we dispersed, she made her way to the front! “Sssshhhh” she hushed everyone quiet. She had a small frame. Her dress code would tell you that she wasn’t one of those B.Adrama queens, which we had in plenty! The hall went dead silent. She had managed to get our attention. Then with a heavy Meru accent, she started… “If you are the one who took my… I am giving you 3 days to return it…” We burst out laughing. “Haiya, this is Campo, not High School!” Someone from the backbenches shouted. We laughed some more. She got a bit infuriated. “I don’t know and infact I don’t care where y”all come from, lakini mtajua mimi ni M’meru!” (You will all know that I am from Meru). She shouted back as she stepped down from the raised platform. Her face was red… We all went into frenzy. Her group of girls jeered as the boys from the back benches booed back. Later on as we walked up agony hill with my group of boys on our way to Hall 5, we would laugh our hearts out on realizing that we did not even quite get what the M’meru girl’s announcement was about… But all in all, we acknowledged that either she is a brave one or just crazy! After that MPH incident, Carol Kabiti and I would cross paths on other numerous occasions in our four year stay at Uni. I still remember the second time though. It was at the famous Taifa Hall on a Friday evening during a CU (Christian Union) session. I was shocked. There she was, hands lifted high, in a sombre mood of worship! It was most unexpected. Or maybe I was just being judgmental! In the course of time, we would choose our subjects of specialization and as fate would have it Carol and I ended up choosing the same course and as such, we shared most classes. Our friendship would gradually develop and I got to know this M’meru girl better. The saying goes that everyone got a story, Carol’s, as I would much later realize, was like a movie script! Complete with suspense and drama! The now confident and straight talking girl from Meru was once a house help! And I am not talking about themboching that at we all did at some point in between finishing High School and joining College. No. I am talking of the serious kind. The one where you get a salary for at the end of the month! And as if that was not all, we would further be shocked to realize that her last name Kabiti,was not actually her real surname. It was her former employer’s, which she had adopted… The story goes that one morning, as little Carol was going about her duties as a house help at the Kabitis, the lady of the house, a retired nurse, engaged her in a little conversation. “Carol…?” The old lady called out. “Yes ma’am…” Carol answered back. Dreading that her boss was about to unleash yet another list of chores for the day. “Would you want to go back to school one day?” Mrs. Kabiti asked, her eyes trained on her little house help. She must be teasing, the little girl thought. Even though Mrs. Kabiti was known for her magnanimity, at this particular moment Carol wasn’t sure where the conversation was headed. After all, it was exactly four years since Carol was last in a classroom. Born and raised in Nanyuki, after clearing primary school, her parents who did not have any formal income, couldn’t afford to pay for her High School education. The little girl hanged around home for sometime and when nothing was forthcoming, she left Nanyuki for neighboring Meru with the hope of getting “some work”. The only job she could get was that of a housemaid. She was hardworking, and from one family to the other, she labored. She would eventually find herself at the Kabiti’s home. Four years! “I am asking you, would you consider going back to school?” Madam boss asked again. At this point, Carol realized that her boss was serious. Instead of answering, she broke down, crying softly. As tears flowed down her cheeks, Mrs. Kabiti stepped forward and held her little but now hardened hand. There and then, a bond between the two women formed. It was a bond only like that of a mother to her child; a child who had longed for a mother’s love… At that point, the two women would start a journey of love and compassion although neither of them knew where it would take them. A master turned into a mother, and a servant into a daughter… The primary school was a stone throw distance and as Mrs. Kabiti conversed with the headmaster that morning, little Carol did not mind which class they would agree that she joins. She knew all too well that she would have to sit in the same class with kids much younger than her. But that was the least of her worries. All she knew is that she had lost hope of ever going back to school again, and now the proverbial light at the end of tunnel was shining bright! And as they say, the rest is history. Carol consumed books like a famished beast would on an unexpected prey. She went on to become a top student throughout primary and secondary school. And that is how we ended up together at The UoN. Maybe it is such experiences that transformed this girl into a go getter! Maybe this is why she could not flinch standing before hundreds of us that morning and threaten the heaven out of everyone…kumbe! Success would continue smiling down at her. Come second year, Carol was among three girls from our class, who won a prestigious scholarship that would see her leave the country to continue with her studies in Europe. This full scholarship was as a result of a partnership between UoN and a Norwegian University. They picked only three top students every year. The beneficiaries would have an option of finishing their undergraduate degree in Norway and return back home, or stick around and continue with their Masters. December 2013. Early, warm Nairobi morning; we had lots to catch up on as we waited for our breakfast orders to be served at Kaldis Restaurant, along Kimathi Street. With her characteristic cheeky smile, Carol would teasingly wave her left hand for me to see the ring…the M’meru girl is no longer Carol Kabiti but Carol Mugambi-happily married and blessed with two adorable daughters. Indeed much has been given to this lady… I thought to myself. And as we talked, I realized that she knew exactly how she wanted to give back… “What do you think of Sifa-Hekima Foundation as the name of the Organization” she asked me, as she dug into her breakfast. “Mmmh… Sifa Hekima, Sifa Hekima…” Mmh…nice…after your two daughters, right…?” I muttered, as if talking to myself. “Ehe, …yes… exactly… what do you think?” “Hope I am not too selfish to name it after them” Carol added, laughing. And as we discussed this and more, we settled for just; Hekima Foundation. “Pato, if mom (referring to Mrs. Kabiti) and by extension her whole family did not do what they did for me those many years ago, today I wouldn’t afford such a meal, in such a fancy restaurant.” She said, gesturing at the plates on our table. “True that”. I said in agreement. “My dream is to see many boys and girls who right now are in the same situation that I was those many years ago, sit here and say as much, courtesy of Hekima Foundation…” She continued, and I noticed that her eyes had brightened up. Through them you could see the passion… Today, eight or so months later, from that Kaldis meeting, Hekima Foundation is slowly taking shape. It is fully registered as per the Kenyan regulations and already three beneficiaries; a boy and two girls are experiencing a re-writing of their stories, courtesy of the Foundation. And for us here at PG Africa, we understand that this is not just another project that we undertook. No. We became part of life’s stories… Stories re-written… and hope renewed! Share Post 719 29 3 Tags: Stories re-written Posted 7:05 pm by PG Africa Consulting &filed under Africa Rises, Community Development, Project Management & Community Development. 13 Responses to “Life in Uni… and the girl from Meru” Wahome Boss, what an inspirational story. Besides that it is well expressed and so so funny. As Jeff Koinange would say, continue doing what you are doing my brother, Kenya needs people like you to bring the change. Kudos September 17th, 2014Reply githua Wow….I don’t usually cry, but the story had my eyes wet…. Such a lovely story as if from a story book but the fact that it’s true and that there are compationate people like that family that helped Carol is amazing. Totally made my day and something to pray and think about. PS. You should have a column in the Nation September 17th, 2014Reply Wambui Kyama Amazing, profound and encouraging story. Wow September 17th, 2014Reply Beverly Never give up on someone…. Second chance indeed! September 17th, 2014Reply Wamukumbu Good stuff bro, keep up September 18th, 2014Reply Hellinah Waaaoohh Wat a story I heard bits And bits of the story but I never realised its the same lady. Carol you are blessed all the best as you touch and transform other people lives September 18th, 2014Reply Carolle Wait a minute!!! WOOOOOOOOOOW!!!! Such an amazing story! September 18th, 2014Reply Gitonga Patrick Then with a heavy Meru accent, she started… “If you are the one who took my… I am giving you 3 days to return it…” We burst out laughing I still remember that day…i couldn’t believe someone could walk up to that crowd and have the courage to speak out..well now i know the story…well put..and thumbs up to Carol September 18th, 2014Reply sandra Awesome piece Patrick, i am more than inspired by the story September 18th, 2014Reply Nancy Great work go Hekima foundation …very inspiring! September 18th, 2014Reply Consolata makori Very inspiring story. Am proud of You Caro. September 18th, 2014Reply Murage Stories re-written….I like that aspect of not simply work, but transforming one life at a time. September 18th, 2014Reply Waithaka I like it awesome story bro n written by the best writer keep it up man …… September 18th, 2014Reply Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Name * Email * Website Comment You may use these HTML tags and attributes: Search About PG Africa PG Africa is a Consulting house with an inclination towards Project Management, Community Development as well as Business Development Services. We implement high impact development projects on behalf of NGOs, Corporate Organizations both private and public sectors. Learn More Recent PostsLife in Uni… and the girl from MeruThe “grand launch” and my four point speech…Did you use a vehicle today? The rubber for the tires probably came from Congo!Friendships and Business… sometimes they do mix!Hope Renewed… A true story! 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Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 17:25:54 +0000
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