Raphael Obonyo, an author and a renowned public policy analyst is a true example of a grass-to-grace story, having come from Korogocho slums in Nairobi to working at several reputable global organisations such as the World Bank.
In this article, we outline how he moved from the slums to working at several global organisations such as the World Bank.
Early Life
According to Obonyo's profile published by the United Nations, He is the fourth child in a family of nine and was brought up in Nairobi's Korogocho slum.
He notes that they lived in a single room, adding that his parents had to go out of their way to make ends meet.
Growing up in the slums, Obonyo narrates that he dedicated his effort to education, knowing that it was his only way out.
His hard work paid off when he emerged as one of the top students in KCPE in the year 1995. To ensure that he did not miss an opportunity at Dagoretti High School, his friends from St. John’s Catholic Church in Korogocho fundraised for his school fees.
At Dagoretti High, things weren't easy, he would occasionally be sent home due to school fees arrears. He also noted that he always felt low during visiting days when his schoolmates received goodies, yet there was none for him.
"During visiting days, I watched with envy as fellow students were visited by relatives clutching big shopping bags filled with food and goodies. During holidays I would walk the 10 km from Korogocho to McMillan Memorial Library in the city and back, to study. Despite all these hurdles, I performed well and was admitted to the University of Nairobi," he disclosed.
Big Breakthrough
His breakthrough came after he graduated from the University of Nairobi and bagged a Master's Scholarship to study public policy at Duke University in the United States.
The scholarship placed him in a position to take advantage of global opportunities. In 2012, he secured a role at the United Nations Habitat’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB), where he later became a special adviser after receiving backing from across the globe.
File image of Obonyo and a team from Korogocho. [Photo:Courtesy]
The role gave him exposure as he interacted with prominent people from across the world.
"Through this UN role, I travelled to different countries around the world, spoke at many forums, and met and shared platforms with presidents and other global leaders," he said.
He later landed other lucrative roles in renowned organisations such as the Global Diplomatic Forum and the World Bank’s Global Coordination Board on Youth and Anti-Corruption.
Philanthropy
Having experienced growing up in a slum, Obonyo believes in giving back to society and has been involved in several charity community development projects such as offering training to Korogocho youth on entrepreneurship, filmmaking, and journalism.
He also works with the trained youth on how to start business enterprises and seek capital to finance their operations.
Future Plans
Obonyo has two main aspirations; to be the President of Kenya and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. He, however, notes that before getting there, he'll keep doing his best to make the world a better place.
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