Murang'a man shares unbelievable career transformation from BOM teacher to US Navy

• When Festo Njoroge turned down a teaching job to join the police service, he had no idea his life would take him to the US Navy
• Along the way, he endured a cancelled police recruitment, salary cuts, career changes and a nerve-racking wait for a US visa
• Today, the Murang’a man is living a dream he once thought was beyond reach, proof that persistence can open doors in unexpected places

Festo Njoroge’s path to the US Navy is a story defined by unexpected turns, resilience, and a series of life-altering decisions that took him from a classroom in Kenya to military service in America.

Born and raised in Murang’a County, Kenya, Njoroge began his education at Mariira Primary School in Kigumo before proceeding to Kianyaga High School.

Njoroge’s early career in teaching

He told NGBREAKINGNEWS that he later joined Egerton University’s Njoro Campus in 2009, initially pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in History.

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However, realising his interests lay elsewhere, he transferred to pursue a Bachelor of Education (Arts) in Kiswahili and History at Laikipia University, graduating in 2013.

After completing his studies, Njoroge began his professional journey in education as a Board of Management (BOM) teacher at Kamukabi Secondary School in Kigumo before moving to Kigumo Bendera High School in a similar role.

It was during this period in July 2014 that his career path began to shift dramatically.

Njoroge exited teaching service

While teaching, he participated in a national police recruitment exercise and successfully secured a docket number to join Kiganjo Police Training College as a cadet.

On the very next day, he also attended a Teachers Service Commission (TSC) interview, where he emerged top of his cohort.

Faced with two competing opportunities, he made a defining choice: he declined the TSC offer and opted for a career in the police service.

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His decision was soon met with uncertainty. Following public concerns over irregularities in the recruitment exercise, the results were annulled by the National Police Service Commission.

Njoroge lost his initial opportunity to join the police.

Njoroge transitioned into police service

However, in April 2015, following a national directive for a fresh recruitment exercise after the Garissa University attack, he tried again.

This time, his efforts paid off. He reported to the National Police Training College, graduating on February 12, 2016 before being absorbed into the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

After induction at the DCI Training School in South C, he was deployed to Lamu County, specifically Mpeketoni Police Station.

The journey to Lamu marked one of the most challenging phases of his career. Mpeketoni had previously suffered terror attacks, and tension in the region remained high.

Service under pressure in Lamu

Njoroge recalls the long and fearful journey through Minjila Junction, Witu, and the Boni Forest area, where insecurity and poor road conditions created an atmosphere of uncertainty.

Despite the challenges, he safely arrived and began duty in Lamu. In September 2016, he was attached to Lamu Huduma Centre to assisted members of the public in applying for Certificates of Good Conduct.

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He served there until May 2022, after which he was transferred to Migori Huduma Centre, and later to Murang’a Huduma Centre in August 2022.

Financial struggles and resignation

Despite years of service, Njoroge’s career in the police service became increasingly strained.

In November 2021, salary adjustments for graduates who had not undergone the Inspectorate Course led to significant pay cuts. He recalls surviving on less than KSh 10,000 for over a year.

Unable to sustain the conditions, he resigned in December 2022, with approval coming in January 2023.

Shortly after leaving the police service, the Teachers Service Commission announced vacancies for PnP and intern Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers.

Njoroge applied and secured a position in Kasarani Sub-County, returning to teaching in early 2023.

A life-changing lottery win

However, by January 2024, he felt unfulfilled and stagnant, prompting another resignation. Seeking new opportunities, he made the bold decision to pursue life abroad.

While in Dubai in May 2024, Njoroge checked the US Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery results, which he had applied for months earlier while still teaching.

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To his astonishment, he had been selected for further processing, a development that left him overwhelmed with excitement.

On September 22, 2025, he received the life-changing words confirming approval of his visa from the US Embassy in Nairobi.

“I could not believe it. My legs were shaking. I left immediately because I feared something might change,” he said.

New beginnings in US

Days later, he collected his passport with the visa stamped inside. Shortly after, he made preparations to travel.

Njoroge departed Kenya on October 9, 2025, arriving in Seattle the following day. He was received by his host, who assisted him in settling into life in the US.

Within days, he had applied for a Washington State ID, enrolled in a caregiving course, and begun working in the care sector.

He also started driving classes and opened a bank account, quickly adapting to his new environment.

How Njoroge joined US Navy

In November 2025, after receiving his Green Card, he made another life-defining decision: to join the United States military.

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Guided by a Kenyan US Navy recruiter, Moses Ngotho, Njoroge completed the enlistment process on January 30, shipped out for bootcamp in February, and graduated on May 21.

Today, Njoroge serves as a US Navy sailor, a position that marks the culmination of a journey that began in rural Kenya classrooms and passed through law enforcement, teaching, and migration.

Source: NGBREAKINGNEWS