In an inspiring tale of perseverance, Keziah Blessed, a 42-year-old woman from Meru County, has proven that dedication and determination can triumph over adversity.
After sitting for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) three times in her bid to achieve the required grades for university admission, Keziah finally graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree from Meru University on October 4, 2024.
Keziah’s education journey has been marked by numerous challenges. Her first attempt at KCSE in 2000 saw her score a C plain, which was below the entry requirement for her dream course—accounting. Undeterred by the setback, she made the difficult decision to repeat her Form 4 studies, determined to improve her results and qualify for a university education.
The following year, Keziah scored a B- in her second KCSE attempt, which allowed her to qualify for direct university entry.
However, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) only offered her a chance to study for a Bachelor of Education, a course she had no interest in pursuing.
Financial constraints also posed a significant obstacle in Keziah’s academic journey. Her father, burdened with paying for her siblings’ education, could not afford to send her to university. As a result, she enrolled in a computer studies course, where she excelled and began teaching in 2003.
With her eyes still set on a degree in accounting, Keziah saved money by doing odd jobs, and her family raised KSh 24,000 through a fundraiser to support her dream.
She used the money to study Certified Public Accountant (CPA) courses at Murang’a College of Technology but could not complete the full course due to financial difficulties.
Despite these challenges, Keziah never gave up. In 2006, she became a mother, which added to her responsibilities. However, she continued working and eventually secured a job as an accounts clerk at a school in Meru. While working, Keziah sat for her KCSE a third time and emerged as the top candidate at the school, scoring a B+.
Keziah’s breakthrough came when she was introduced to the dean of students at Meru University, who helped her secure admission. With loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and part-time work, she enrolled in the BCom program. Over the next decade, Keziah juggled work, studies, and family life. She deferred her studies twice—first to work at a bank and later to care for her sick child.
After spending 10 years in university, Keziah’s persistence finally paid off when she graduated with a second-class upper division in BCom in 2024.
Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I spent 10 good years in university, but I’m so happy and thankful to God. Every dream is valid.”