From left: Sarafina Nyawira, Enoch Kambale, Paul Simiyu and Sharon Selah.
You’ve just aced your national exams; straight As in your Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results. The excitement is overwhelming, and everyone around you starts calling you a "top achiever." With such results, society has already determined your future: you’re bound for one of the "prestigious" courses in university. The path is set. But months later, you find yourself sitting in a lecture hall, staring at textbooks, and facing the stark reality that the course everyone believed you would thrive in doesn’t ignite the passion you expected. It’s not exciting. It’s not “giving,” as Gen Z might say. You start questioning everything: Is this really the life you want?
For some, the dissatisfaction becomes so overwhelming that they make the bold decision to leave university altogether, choosing to pursue something that aligns with their passions. Others decide to swap their courses for what their hearts desire. Many might view this as a fall from grace for top scorers, but the truth is, those who choose to follow their passion often find greater success.
In this week’s MyNetwork issue, we spoke to four former top scorers who made the courageous leap from conventional academic paths to follow their true callings. Today, they are thriving in careers that excite them, proving that sometimes, the road less traveled is the one that leads to fulfilment and real success.
Building from the ground up
Enoch Kambale, 24, Founder of Jobzy, dropped out of university to focus on his
Enoch Kambale (24) is the founder of Jobzy.
passion for tech, creating a recruitment platform that has helped over 20,000 job seekers
At just 16, Enoch Kambale, now 24, was already teaching himself to code. By the time he was 18, he had developed Jobzy, a recruitment platform designed to connect job seekers with employers. But like many top-performing students, societal expectations steered him toward a traditional academic route.
“I joined the University of Nairobi to study Computer Science because I thought it would sharpen my skills,” Kambale says. “But it was very theoretical. I was sitting through lectures on abstract concepts when I wanted to build something real.”
The Covid-19 pandemic provided Kambale with a unique opportunity to focus on Jobzy. The app quickly gained traction, and by the time he was a first-year student, it already had over 20,000 users. “I remember thinking, ‘Why am I in class when the work I’m passionate about is waiting for me outside?’” he says. “When I got serious about my startup during Covid, it wasn’t just about coding—it was about giving it my full focus and energy.”
However, Kambale’s decision to drop out was not made lightly. He had to confront the societal stigma attached to leaving university. “In Kenya, a degree is almost like a badge of honour,” he reflects. “Dropping out felt like I was betraying expectations.”
Kambale credits his father’s unwavering support for helping him navigate that period. “My dad always believed in me. He told me that success isn’t about a certificate but about solving problems and creating value,” Kambale shares. “That meant the world to me, especially when I was facing so much external pressure to stay in school.”
By the time he was 20, Kambale was running Jobzy full-time, with the startup expanding across Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa. Securing significant funding, the platform grew, and Kambale’s dream became a reality. “Leaving university was the best decision I ever made. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. I’ve learned that success isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about doing what excites you.”
Looking back, Kambale adds, “I had to take the leap and believe in myself. Even though it was a huge decision, I’ve never looked back. I learned more by taking the risk than I ever could in class.”
The satisfaction of seeing real-world impact drives his passion. “Seeing my app help over 20,000 young people find jobs has been incredibly inspiring,” he says.
For Kambale, dropping out wasn’t about rejecting education but rather about pursuing his passion with full focus. “If I could achieve this while juggling school, imagine what I can do now that I’m fully dedicated,” he explains.
Kambale is candid when discussing the traditional academic route. “You can’t be a self-taught surgeon,” he says with a laugh. “But in tech, you can learn the best lessons from real-world experience. MBA programmes teach you how to manage someone else's business, not how to start your own. For entrepreneurs, school isn’t always the best route.”
His advice to young people feeling pressured to follow a prestigious career path is simple: “Don’t drop out just because it seems cool. Make sure it aligns with your goals. I dropped out because I knew what I wanted and why I wanted it.”
Kambale emphasizes advises that one shouldn’t feel pressured to pursue a career path based on their grades, but know what they truly want to do, and not let anyone stop them. “I encourage parents to support their children and believe in their dreams because life isn’t linear. There are many ways to succeed.”
For Kambale, success isn’t just about the growing number of users or secured funding—it’s about real-world impact.
From bakery to tech
Paul Simiyu, 26, found his passion in tech, transitioning from medicine to computer science
Paul Simiyu (26), found his passion in tech.
Paul Simiyu’s story is one of reinvention, defying the odds, and embracing second chances. His path to success wasn’t linear. It was a journey through failure, hard work, and unexpected discoveries that led him to a career in tech.
Simiyu’s academic journey took an unexpected turn after his first KCSE attempt. “I scored a C plain, and I thought that was the end of my academic life,” he recalls. He had faced struggles throughout his secondary school years—frequent transfers, clashes with authority, and a disconnect from the formal education system. “I felt like I had failed in life,” Simiyu says. With no clear direction, he turned to work at Millbaker’s bakery, where he managed inventory and performed other duties. Education seemed like a distant dream.
But life had other plans. Simiyu’s father, seeing his despair, encouraged him to retake the exams. “My father believed in me,” Simiyu recalls. “He told me I could do it again, and his belief gave me the courage to try.”
In a twist of fate, Simiyu not only passed his KCSE with an A during his second attempt but earned a spot in Kenyatta University’s medicine programme. “It felt like redemption,” he says. “It was my second chance.” But the reality of student life soon set in. By the end of his first year, financial challenges prevented him from sitting for his exams. "I remember feeling defeated, sitting outside the exam hall because we couldn’t pay the fees," he says. "It was one of the lowest moments of my life."
Returning to the bakery, Simiyu found himself working night shifts again. One evening, out of boredom, he Googled his name and stumbled upon an admission letter from Masinde Muliro University for a Computer Science course. “It was like a lifeline,” he says. "The application deadline hadn’t passed, and that discovery changed my life.”
Switching from medicine to Computer Science wasn’t an easy transition. “Letting go of the prestigious image of being a medical student was tough,” he admits. But despite doubts from others, Simiyu embraced his new path. “I had to remind myself that life isn’t about sticking to one path. It’s about adapting."
Simiyu’s new career in tech came with challenges, but his past experiences had strengthened him. "Every time I got knocked down, I felt like I lost a piece of my ego, but I grew stronger," he says.
Simiyu’s view of success has evolved. "In high school, I thought success meant having a prestigious job like a doctor or lawyer. Now, success is about finding something you’re passionate about."
Today, Simiyu thrives in tech, building software and finding fulfilment in solving problems. “Failing KCSE at first was the best thing that happened to me. It taught me resilience.”
Finding freedom in digital marketing
Sarafina Nyawira, 25: Despite excelling in Business and IT, Sarafina chose digital marketing over a corporate tech career.
Sarafina Nyawira (25) chose digital marketing.
Sarafina Nyawira’s academic journey is impressive, but it’s her decision to pivot away from a traditional career path that stands out. As a top performer in her KCSE exams, Nyawira was expected to join Kenya's elite in fields like medicine or law. However, despite her stellar grades and a degree in Business and Information Technology (BBIT) from Pan Africa Christian University, Nyawira chose an unconventional path—digital marketing.
“I was always the high achiever,” she recalls. “Everyone expected me to do big things in the tech industry.” But during her attachment at a tech firm, Nyawira began questioning her path. “I was doing my job well, but something didn’t feel right. The corporate world seemed to stifle me.”
During a long holiday, Nyawira stumbled upon digital marketing. “One day, I was casually scrolling through YouTube and found a tutorial about growing Instagram accounts,” she says.
Nyawira thought digital marketing was just a hobby at first, but as she started experimenting with social media strategies, she realised she had a natural flair for it. “It was like a lightbulb moment,” she says.
She began dedicating her free time to learning everything about digital marketing, reading books, taking online courses, and practicing different strategies. “It was a gamble, but I realised people were willing to pay for this skill,” she recalls.
By the time Nyawira graduated, she had made the decision to move away from the tech industry to pursue a career in digital marketing. It wasn’t an easy choice, especially since her family had expected her to follow a conventional path. “My family was skeptical. They couldn’t understand why I was leaving a stable job offer in the tech industry to pursue something so uncertain,” she says.
But Nyawira remained firm. “I didn’t want to be stuck in a career that wasn’t right for me. I wanted to build something of my own and have the freedom to work on my terms.”
Her transition wasn’t without challenges. Initially, it was difficult to find clients and establish her reputation in a competitive industry. “The first few months were tough. I had to work twice as hard to prove myself,” she admits.
Eventually, her perseverance paid off. Nyawira built a solid client base, offering services such as social media management, content creation, and digital advertising. Today, she is a sought-after digital marketing consultant with a growing portfolio. “It’s been a journey, but I’ve carved out a niche for myself,” she says.
Her success has allowed her to explore another passion—education. Nyawira has authored two books on personal branding and social media strategy, both aimed at helping entrepreneurs and professionals build their online presence. “Writing the books was my way of giving back,” she explains. “It also established me further in my field.”
Looking back, Nyawira has no regrets about her decision to leave the corporate world. “If I had stuck to the conventional path, I wouldn’t be as happy or fulfilled as I am now. Digital marketing has given me the freedom to work with exciting clients and do what I love.”
She adds, “Success isn’t about having a fancy title or a big paycheck. It’s about creating a life that works for you.”
From Architecture to Tech
Sharon Selah, 24, shifted from architecture to computer science after realizing the traditional path wasn’t for her.
Sharon Selah (24) shifted from architecture to computer science.
Sharon Selah’s academic journey wasn’t straightforward. “In high school, I knew I’d score an A, but I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life,” she admits. Despite her academic success, she didn’t feel drawn to traditional career paths like medicine or engineering. “I turned to a relative for advice, and he suggested architecture because someone he knew was doing well financially in the field,” she recalls.
After researching online and learning that architecture was one of the highest-paying professions, Selah decided to pursue it. But once she began her studies, it didn’t take long for her to realise that architecture wasn’t for her. “Architecture is grounded in art, and while I was good at the science aspects, I struggled with drawing and sketching,” she explains.
By her second year, Selah knew she needed a change. “My family was supportive when I decided to switch to Computer Science,” she shares.
Selah didn’t discuss her decision with many people outside her immediate family, but transitioning from architecture to tech came with its own challenges. “I felt left behind. My peers were two years ahead of me when I switched courses, and it was tough knowing they’d graduate before me,” she says.
To finance her studies, Selah worked as an online writer, learning time management and resilience along the way. “Those experiences helped shape my work ethic.”
Once she transitioned to Computer Science, Selah found her footing. “Tech was versatile and had endless opportunities,” she says. Initially, her decision was driven by practicality, not passion. “I wanted something as profitable as architecture, but with a shorter timeline. Medicine was too long, so Computer Science seemed like the perfect compromise.”
However, as she delved deeper into her studies, Selah discovered a passion for tech. “Experimenting with algorithms and code was exhilarating. There are so many ways to solve a problem, and that really excited me.”
Graduation marked a major milestone for Selah. “I got a job almost immediately—maybe the same day I graduated,” she says. “That was the biggest win for me.”
Looking back, Selah sees Computer Science as offering limitless career possibilities. “You can move into design, development, cybersecurity—there’s something for everyone in tech,” she says. “You just have to find your niche.”
Selah credits her time in architecture for shaping her determination. “Architecture was tough because I wasn’t good at art. That discipline translated directly into my success in tech.”
Now a successful software developer, Selah advises others to research career paths thoroughly before making decisions. “Make sure your choice aligns with your strengths, not just your interests.”
Her advice? “Research, research, research. Understand what day-to-day life in that career looks like. Success isn’t about sticking to one path; it’s about finding what fits you.”
The hype Vs the reality
The journeys of these young people challenge Kenya’s traditional perception of success. For decades, careers in medicine, law, engineering, and architecture have been viewed as the ultimate achievements. But these individuals prove that success is multifaceted and deeply personal.
“KCSE grades are overhyped,” Simiyu says. “They don’t define your future. What matters is how you adapt and find value in what you do.”
Selah sees value in self-awareness. “Before choosing a career, research your strengths and understand what the day-to-day work entails. Don’t just follow societal expectations,” she advises.
For Nyawira, fulfilment trumps convention. “Success isn’t about playing it safe. Sometimes you have to take risks to find what truly makes you happy.”
Kambale believes the future belongs to innovators. “We need to celebrate people who think differently and create solutions. That’s where real success lies,” he says.
