Karanja wa Matawa

His story

Leadership was in me from childhood

“Leadership was not something I discovered yesterday. It is a journey I have lived since childhood.”

Bernard was born and grew up in Kandongu, in Mutithi Ward. At just 10 years old he was already bringing people together, organising football teams from Gitooni, Kiunga, Kiamaciri and Kinyaga to come and play at the playground in Kandongu.

At Kandongu Primary School he became a Scout Leader and was trusted to raise the school flag. In Class Seven and Eight he was the bell ringer and kept the staffroom and office keys, opening the offices every morning and making sure they were clean and ready before the teachers arrived.

“Those responsibilities taught me that leadership is not about titles; it is about trust, responsibility and serving others even when nobody is watching.”

At Kagio Secondary School he served as a class prefect from Form One to Form Four. He then studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Technical University of Mombasa, where he was elected Secretary General of the University Union, representing students and working with others to address their concerns.

His university years also strengthened his faith. At Fellowship Baptist Church he served as an usher and in the praise and worship team, and led the church's college ministry, organising Bible studies and activities that brought students together.