Every weekday at 5.45 a.m, Edwin Obara Maloba reports for duty as a security guard at Strathmore University. By 5.00 p.m, when his shift ends, he exchanges his security uniform for lecture notes and walks into a classroom as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) student.

The opportunity to study, made possible through a full tuition scholarship awarded by the University’s Financial Aid Office (FAO), has transformed what began as a search for work into a journey of hope, resilience and purpose. While his days are spent safeguarding the University community, his evenings are dedicated to preparing for a future beyond the guard post.

Originally from his county, Busia, Obara came to Nairobi looking for an opportunity that would allow him to earn a living while pursuing further education. Working as a security guard was never the destination. It was simply the bridge to a bigger dream. “I have no excuse for missing either work or school,” he says. “I take my work seriously because it allows me to stay in Nairobi, but I study because I want to change my life. I do not intend to remain a guard all my life.”

That journey began with advice from a well-wisher back home, who encouraged him to look for security work while continuing his studies. The suggestion eventually led him to Strathmore University, where he was employed as a security guard in July 2025. “My goal has always been education. Work is helping me survive today, but education is what will change my tomorrow,” he says.

Even then, Obara was already looking beyond his current role. While stationed at the University’s parking area, he carried a printed copy of his high school results in his pocket. Whenever an opportunity presented itself, he would show the results to members of staff, hoping someone would point him towards a chance to continue his education. “I knew I had the grades, I just needed someone to show me where to begin,” he recalls. That persistence eventually led him to the Financial Aid Office.

During his lunch breaks, he would eat quickly before using the remaining minutes to search for the office inside the Student Centre. When he finally found it, he was warmly received.

Initially, Obara hoped to pursue a degree in Education. However, after learning that the programme was not offered at Strathmore, the Financial Aid Office advised him to enroll for the CPA programme under a full tuition scholarship. The scholarship covered his tuition fees, while he remained responsible for paying his CPA examination fees. “It was an opportunity I could not let go,” he says. “I was ready to study whatever would help me build a better future.”

Two months after joining the University as a security guard, Obara officially became a Strathmore student. His daily routine reflects the determination behind that opportunity.

From Monday to Friday, he reports to work before sunrise and remains on duty until evening. As soon as his shift ends, he heads directly to class. After lectures, he returns home to cook, do household chores and prepare for the next day. “I usually sleep around 11.00 p.m. after attempting at least one past paper question. Then I wake up at 3.00 a.m. to study before coming to work.” he says.

His Saturdays are spent in class, while Sundays are dedicated to work. Alongside meeting his daily expenses, he also sets aside part of his salary to pay for his CPA examination fees. “I know the scholarship has covered my tuition. My responsibility is to make sure I prepare for and pay for my examinations. That is my contribution,” he says.

Balancing the two identities of his work and student has not always been easy. “When I first started CPA, I used to hide from my classmates whenever I was on duty. I felt uncomfortable,” he admits. With time, however, that feeling faded. “I slowly realised that everyone has a different journey. There is nothing wrong with honest work. Today I no longer hide. This is the work that is helping me achieve my dream.”

His experience at Strathmore has also been shaped by the kindness of the University’s community. Obara speaks warmly about the staff and students who have supported him in different ways. Some helped him process his student identification card, while others donated clothes, assisted him in acquiring a smartphone and encouraged him to keep pursuing his studies. “I have experienced kindness here. People have supported me in ways I never expected,” he says.

As he progresses through the CPA programme, Obara says he is still discovering exactly where his career will lead him. For now, his priority is clear. “I want to finish my CPA, pass my examinations and become someone who can create opportunities for myself and for others. I only need one opportunity to prove myself.”

To students who may be struggling to balance financial challenges with education, his message is simple. “Don’t allow the pressure of survival make you give up on education. Life may force you to work, but never stop investing in your future,” he says.

Obara’s story is ultimately not about being a security guard studying at the same university where he works. It is about what becomes possible when determination meets opportunity.

Each evening, the walk from his job post to the classroom is more than a change of location. It is another step towards a future he has chosen to pursue despite the odds being against him.

At Strathmore University, that journey has been made possible through a scholarship, sustained by hard work and carried forward by an unwavering belief that education has the power to change lives.

Article Written by Chrispinous Omondi