From Wargadud Village  to Princeton University: Muhad Adan’s Unstoppable Journey

Kenya’s government continues to strive for quality and affordable education, but the sector still faces numerous challenges. In rural areas, community-driven initiatives such as “education Harambees” have emerged to support students in their pursuit of higher education. Both public and private institutions are also playing a crucial role in helping students achieve their academic dreams, not just in Kenya but beyond its borders.

One such story is that of Muhad Adan from Wargadud Village in Mandera County. Raised in a polygamous family of 40 children, he refused to let his circumstances hinder his thirst for education.

“Growing up in a large family brought significant economic challenges. Neither of my parents was employed, and supporting 40 children was an immense struggle,” shares Muhad.

Determined to change his family’s situation, he focused on his studies. “The introduction of free primary education was a great help. In 2020, I was fortunate to join Starehe Boys’ Centre, marking my first time in Nairobi.”

This move opened his eyes to a world beyond Wargadud. “I encountered diverse cultures and realized the unique challenges people from different regions of Kenya face,” he recalls.

Inspired by his experiences, Muhad launched an initiative in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraging his village mates and family members to take education seriously. His efforts gained momentum as he passionately emphasized the importance of learning.

His hard work paid off when he scored an impressive A plain (84 points) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

His resilience and outstanding performance caught the attention of the Kenya Scholar Access Program (KenSAP)—an organization that helps high-achieving, low-income Kenyan students gain admission to top universities in North America with full financial aid.

With the support of KenSAP and partners like NCBA, Muhad is now set to join Princeton University to pursue his university education.

To students from similar backgrounds, he offers words of encouragement: “The world is yours to conquer.”