- Nyamongo Gekara recently made Nyamira County proud after graduating from Columbia Law School in New York
- Being the only African in his class came with added responsibility, but also a deep sense of pride in representing Kenya in global legal spaces
- He hopes to use his education to open doors for others, especially for communities back home in his village
A young man from Nyamira County is celebrating a remarkable academic milestone after graduating in the US, where he stood out as the only African Human Rights Fellow in his cohort at Columbia Law School in New York.
Source: Facebook
Nyamongo Gekara described his journey as one marked by resilience, cultural adjustment and determination.
This is because he moved from his roots in western Kenya to one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions.
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“From freezing on Broadway to walking the stage in Columbia blue,” he reflected, capturing both the challenge and triumph of his time in America.
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He noted that being the only African in his fellowship came with added responsibility, but also a deep sense of pride in representing his continent in global legal spaces.
His time at Columbia Law School exposed him to leading scholars and practitioners in international law, an experience he says has strengthened his commitment to human rights advocacy.
Despite the pressures of adapting to life in New York City, he credited the city’s demanding pace and harsh winter weather for shaping his character and discipline.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying he leaves New York not only with a degree but also with a renewed sense of purpose.
“We earned our place in those rooms, learned from the absolute legends of international law, and against all odds, we made it,” he said.
Looking ahead, he says his focus is on using his education to open doors for others and contribute to global advocacy efforts, especially for communities back home in Nyamira County.
“From Nyamira to the world,” he added, marking a journey that he hopes will inspire other young Africans to pursue opportunities beyond their borders.
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Dr Charles Gatebe’s inspiring story
Another Kenyan making waves on the global front is Dr Charles Gatebe, an atmospheric scientist working as Chief of the Atmospheric Science Branch at NASA’s Ames Research Center.
What many do not know is that he grew up in poverty and was always sent home from school over unpaid fees.
He was complaining after being sent home when his mother said something that became a defining lesson and stayed with him.
Gatebe’s mother told him that he was not different from the kids he sees out there who look well-off, and that he should not look at material wealth and think he was a lesser human.
That message became the foundation of his confidence and ambition, adding that the background that shaped him instilled in him a belief in himself.
Source: NGBREAKINGNEWS
