University sponsorship shaped my career – pharmacist
For Elias Ndung’u, the financial assistance he was accorded while studying Pharmacy at Mount Kenya University (MKU) made him shine in life.
Mr. Ndung’u, the director and founder of Dawa Sawa Pharmacies with branches in Thika, Ruiru and Kiambu town says the sponsorship he was given by the Thika-based university made him thrive in life.
So far, Mr. Ndung’u employs seven other pharmacists and plans to grow his business across the country, a progress that will create more job opportunities.
Speaking to People Daily in Thika town, the pharmaceutical entrepreneur said that his dreams of becoming a pharmacist and serving Kenyans in that capacity were actualized through the help of Professor Simon Gicharu, the founder of MKU who sponsored all his studies.
Mr. Ndung’u was among the pioneer students in the University’s School of Pharmacy that was introduced seven years ago.
He says that the university management was very keen to ensure the first class in the then new school succeed and shine in life to become a strong foundation that would see other students learn from.
“I always appreciate MKU and especially Prof. Simon Gicharu for making me the person I am today. They saw the passion in me and because I could not manage to pay my school fees, they offered me sponsorship that has not only shaped my life but has also enabled me to become an employer,” he said.
“Even after completing my studies, Gicharu and the university management continue to mentor me to focus on more growth,” he added.
Recently, the entrepreneur received an award from the African Center for Corrective and Preventive Action (ACCPA) for his unique delivery of medicinal services.
He has been offering free delivery of pharmaceutical products to all his clients across Kiambu County and some parts of Murang’a thereby minimizing their strain of travelling for kilometers in search of medication.
Further, Ndung’u started a mentorship program that has been helping university pharmacy students get exposure besides facilitating those willing to start businesses after completing their studies.
He acclaimed MKU for establishing a scholarship programme saying that it will help thousands of students who hail from humble backgrounds actualize their dreams.
In July this year, the private University injected some Sh 5 million into the scholarship programme which will benefit 81 students.
Since inception in 2019, the scholarship program has enabled hundreds of bright students from poor backgrounds pursue education without financial struggles.
A month ago, the university offered full scholarship to Milly Nafula, the 33-year-old mother of two from Kitale who scored an A- in her KCSE 14 years ago but failed to join a higher learning institution.
Article Extracted from People Daily
