A 35-year-old security guard at Eldoret National Polytechnic, has achieved a major milestone in her lifelong journey to become a certified accountant, overcoming financial and personal obstacles along the way. Janet Kiplagat, a security guard, graduated with second-class honours, upper division from CUEA. Hailing from Toot in Keiyo South, Janet Kiplagat’s determination has inspired many as she worked her way through various jobs to finance her education.
In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Kiplagat shared how her journey began after finishing her KCSE in 2007 with a mean grade of C-. With limited resources, she first worked night shifts at a local agricultural company, earning KSh 300 per shift as a French bean cutter. “I worked night shifts for three years, earning KSh 300 each night,” she recalled. . Saving diligently, she realised her goal of returning to school by joining the National Youth Service (NYS) for training, eventually training in an ICT course after 12 months of initial training and national building, respectively.
Kiplagat later secured a job at Eldoret National Polytechnic as a casual worker, eventually obtaining permanent employment as a security guard in 2018. How did Janet Kiplagat’s degree journey begin? Eager to pursue her dream of accounting, she enrolled part-time for a diploma in accountancy, balancing her work and studies. “Whenever I missed classes, I would get notes from my classmates and study on my own. I thank God I performed well, achieving a strong credit,” she recalled. Her journey didn’t stop there—she went on to pursue a degree at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Eldoret campus. To fund her studies, the mother of three relied on her salary and a one-time fundraiser of KSh 120,000, successfully graduating on Friday, October 26.
“The only support I received was from a fundraiser where my community raised KSh 120,000, some assistance from CDF, and occasional help from my mother. My husband did not contribute anything towards my education. I managed my finances carefully throughout my degree studies, paying a total of KSh 475,250, as I began in the second year. I missed first-class honours by one point,” she said with joy. As she prepares for her final CPA 3 exams in December 2024 and looks ahead to starting her master’s degree in 2025, Kiplagat advised other women to pursue their dreams and resist comparing themselves to others. “I am still young. People get PhDs even in their 80s.
By next year, God willing, I will enrol for master’s classes,” she said.Janet Kiplagat during her graduation at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. Photo: Janet Kiplagat. Source: Original What motivated Janet Kiplagat to return to school? The ambitious young scholar credited her sister and the challenges she faced as her main sources of motivation. Kiplagat acknowledged that pursuing her dream was not easy, especially after getting married. She had to persuade her husband to support her decision to return to school, which led her to entrust her three children to her elder sister for care during her studies.
“I remember my husband telling me to go back to my family if I chose to pursue work and school. My sister has cared for my children as her own for nearly seven years, and my husband has covered their school fees. I am also deeply grateful to the Eldoret Polytechnic management, led by the chief principal, for giving me the flexibility to study and supporting me throughout my studies and attachment.”
by Nancy Odindo