By: Raymond Wanjohi
Worth Noting:
- Upon graduating, he secured work with private firms, honing his skills alongside experienced engineers.
- His career took a significant leap in 2008 when he joined the Ministry of Roads and later Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), where he continues to work today.
- Ouma’s resilience was tested again when he decided to enter politics, declaring his intention to run for the Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat in Gwassi North, Homa Bay County.
- His opponent, a fellow civil engineer, undermined his qualifications, dismissing his diploma as inferior to a university degree.
- This challenge led Dr. Ouma to pursue higher education once again, enrolling in both a Bachelor of Purchasing and Supplies Management and a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Dr. Leonard Ouma Mrongo is the embodiment of perseverance, resilience, and the transformative power of education.
His remarkable journey from a humble background in rural Homa Bay County to academic excellence and professional success is an inspiring testament to the strength of determination.
We had the privilege of meeting Dr. Ouma during his graduation at Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) on October 19, 2024, where his story resonated with all who heard it.
Born into a modest family in Kitawa, Suba South, Dr. Ouma’s journey was never easy.
After excelling in his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams, he earned a spot at Kanga Boys High School, a prestigious school in South Nyanza.
However, financial challenges forced him to forgo this opportunity and instead attend Ranen SDA Secondary School in Migori, where his elder brother served as a pastor.
In 2000, after narrowly missing the cut-off points for government-sponsored university placement, Dr. Ouma faced a crossroads.
In his community, bright students from poor backgrounds often turned to fishing to sustain themselves.
But Dr. Ouma defied this expectation by enrolling at Kisumu National Polytechnic to pursue a Diploma in Civil Engineering.
Upon graduating, he secured work with private firms, honing his skills alongside experienced engineers.
His career took a significant leap in 2008 when he joined the Ministry of Roads and later Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), where he continues to work today.
Dr. Ouma’s resilience was tested again when he decided to enter politics, declaring his intention to run for the Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat in Gwassi North, Homa Bay County.
His opponent, a fellow civil engineer, undermined his qualifications, dismissing his diploma as inferior to a university degree.
This challenge led Dr. Ouma to pursue higher education once again, enrolling in both a Bachelor of Purchasing and Supplies Management and a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Unyielding in his pursuit of knowledge, Dr. Ouma went on to earn a Master of Science in Project Management, followed by a Ph.D. in Business Administration and Management (Strategic Management) at KeMU.
Not one to rest on his laurels, he is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Civil Engineering and plans to study law in the future to represent marginalized communities.
Reflecting on his academic journey, Dr. Ouma encourages young people to embrace persistence. Quoting U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, he said, “Nothing can beat the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent.”
A passionate advocate for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Ouma believes these institutions play a critical role in addressing unemployment.
He argues that TVETs, with their emphasis on practical, hands-on skills, can better equip students for the job market, helping to address the mismatch between university graduates and available jobs.
His commitment to education is further reflected in the Mkenya Education Fund Foundation, which he established to support students in need.
The foundation has provided bursaries totaling Sh2.5 million to at least 110 students, enabling them to pursue education at high school, tertiary, and university levels.
At his graduation ceremony, KeMU Chancellor Prof. Kobia Ataya urged graduates to embrace adaptability and resilience, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning.
He emphasized that challenges do not define success; how one responds to them does.
Dr. Ouma’s journey exemplifies this message, proving that persistence and education can transform lives.
Dr. Ouma’s story is a powerful reminder that success is not determined by where you start, but by the resilience and determination you demonstrate along the way.
His journey encourages others to persevere, no matter the challenges, and to seize the opportunities that education provides.
Elizabeth Angira 
Simiyu S. Stanford