The saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ is truly manifested in Dr Gladys Ngetich’s meteoric rise to the global stage. Her Gladys Ngetich Foundation is paying it forward in her native Kuresoi South and North by creating pathways for young people, particularly girls, to broaden their horizons.
It organises school visits, mentorships, and scholarships, ensuring students have access to resources, guidance, and role models.
Dr Ngetich blends her own life lessons with practical advice. She spends time in classrooms and community spaces in Kuresoi South every December, encouraging students to set bold goals, through sharing her journey from a rural primary school with 298 KCPE marks to winning global awards.
These encounters have sparked a cultural shift. “Students, especially girls, now openly talk about pursuing STEM [Science, technology, engineering and mathematics] careers, studying abroad, and challenging traditional gender norms,” Dr Ngetich says.
"I am a product of many mentors and opportunities. Now, it’s my turn to create those opportunities for others."
She studied Mechanical Engineering at JKUAT, scoring an impressive 75 As and 5 Bs over the six years she was a student there. She did not pursue a Master’s, but went straight to PhD in Engineering Science (Aerospace) at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. She is also a James Finlay Scholarship alumna.
For her, it takes more than grades to wholistically nurture success. While at JKUAT, she started the college’s first ever female team, got involved in athletics, going all the way to represent the university in Norway.
Without mentorship, she wouldn’t have gone far. “I am a product of many mentors and opportunities. Now, it’s my turn to create those opportunities for others.”
-Ndugu Abisai