A sitting Member of Parliament has impressed many not only for being a political figure but also for defying odds to quench his academic thirst. Gideon Kimaiyo, like other underprivileged Kenyans, fought hard to go to school. He now represents Keiyo South in the National Assembly and has three master’s degrees with his eyes set on a PhD.
On Friday, September 20, 2024, Kimaiyo graduated with a PhD in International Studies from the University of Nairobi.
“It has been years of sheer determination and Hope. Despite school fees problems in High School & College, I thank God I have achieved my academic ambitions & yesterday I earned my PhD,” Kimaiyo wrote to celebrate his PhD.
His inspiring academic journey dates back in 2006 from the help of his former Member of Parliament for Keiyo South the late Nicholas Biwott.
The now Keiyo South Member of Parliament Kimaiyo shared snippets of his relentless pursuit for education.
Gideon Kimaiyo gave an account of his struggle to finance his education, partly crediting the late KANU billionaire for illuminating his life with hope.
Gideon Kimaiyo Encounter with Biwott
The MP who graduated on December 21, 2023, with his third master’s degree in Tourism Management from Moi University reminisced his initial interest in joining Kenya Utalii College.
“Reminiscing about yesterday’s events, in the year 2006, I sat in this very spot for more than a month, relentlessly pursuing MP Keiyo South, the late Nicholas Biwott—may his soul rest in peace—to secure funds for my school fees and join Kenya Utalii College, Nairobi,” Kimaiyo stated.
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Further adding, “A while ago, I found myself in the same spot, but this time as the 5th Member of Parliament for Keiyo South constituency.
This journey reflects the resilience and determination required to chase your dreams. There is God!,”said Kimaiyo.
At the time of his graduation, Gideon Kimaiyo while acknowledging his educational journey, also encouraged those grappling with financial challenges.
“Today I graduated my initial masters, Master of Tourism Management from Moi University to make it 3 Masters.
I write this to inspire someone who faces fees problem, that despite the challenges, it is possible, keep pushing. Education is the equalizer,” noted Kimaiyo.
Kimaiyo Academic Profile
Kimaiyo’s academic journey began in 1993 when he started his primary education, eventually transitioning to secondary school in 2001 where he enrolled at Tambach Secondary School.
However, at the time, Kimaiyo noted that he encountered a rough time completing his secondary education as he was forced to drop out of Tambach due to school fees.
“I had a difficult and rough time in my life accessing education. But I promised myself that one day I will educate myself and acquire all the knowledge possible.
In high school, I dropped from Tambach High School due to school fees, finishing form 3 and 4 in Kiptulos day Secondary. Scored B Plain,” noted Kimaiyo.
He later pursued a diploma in airfares and ticketing at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) school.
Further, his passion for education pushed him to enroll at the Kenya Utalii College in 2006 with the help of the late Nicholas Biwott earning a diploma in travel operations.
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“Could not join University. I joined Kenya Utalii College in Nairobi to pursue Diploma courtesy of late Hon Nicholas Biwott who paid my fees. I Graduated with a Diploma in Travel Operations,” recalled Kimaiyo.
Subsequently, Gedion Kimaiyo embarked on a career in the travel industry, working as a travel consultant for various companies.
Kenya Airways stint
He joined Kenya Airways in 2010 as a sales and ticketing executive and furthered his education as well.
While at KQ, Kimaiyo pursued a Bachelor of Tourism Management degree at Moi University and graduated in 2014.
“I enrolled for undergraduate degree at Moi University, pursuing Tourism Management. Graduated 2014. Enrolled for master’s degree for the same but did just course work pending thesis,” said Kimaiyo.
Fast forward, in 2014 Kimaiyo joined Qatar Airways in Doha, where he served as the manager in charge of sales and ticketing for two years.
However, according to the MP in 2015 while still working he enrolled for double masters at USIU-Africa and the University of Nairobi.
Later graduated in 2016 from the University of Nairobi with Master of Business Administration (MBA) strategic management option.
Kimaiyo’s journey culminated in a successful political career when he secured victory in the 2022 elections, on United Democratic Alliance – UDA ticket.
