The Inspiring Journey of Flora Achieng

    Share

Flora Achieng’s journey from Strathmore University to becoming a celebrated Karate practitioner is a story of transformation, passion, and purpose. As an alumnus of Strathmore, Flora’s journey has been shaped by the values she learned during her time at the university—values that she initially struggled to see the importance of but now cherishes deeply. Her experiences at Strathmore, from the classroom to extracurricular activities, laid the foundation for a life filled with purpose and service to society.

One of the most profound lessons Flora took from Strathmore is the importance of maintaining cleanliness in all aspects of life. She reflects, “I came to realize that it was up to me to always clean up after myself wherever I went, something that not many people embrace.” This seemingly small but significant value became a guiding principle for Flora, shaping her actions in her personal and professional life. The simple act of keeping her surroundings clean became a metaphor for how she chooses to live—mindfully, responsibly, and with respect for others.

Flora’s passion for Karate was ignited at Strathmore in 2017, through a simple friendship that introduced her to the sport. Little did she know that this introduction would not only change her life but also shape her future in profound ways. Strathmore’s culture of discipline, respect, and self-development provided the perfect environment for Flora to flourish, both as an individual and as a budding athlete. “The values instilled in me at Strathmore helped me become a responsible member of society. The dress code, for example, helped me present myself well and taught me how to coexist with others,” Flora shares. These lessons became the bedrock of her journey into Karate and beyond.

While still a student, Flora became deeply involved in the Community Outreach Program (COP) and benefited from the Macheo Program, which fostered her sense of service and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. She discovered the power of giving back through #ServiceToSociety, a concept she continues to embrace as an alumnus. Even after completing her degree, Flora remained committed to these programs, taking every opportunity to empower others.

One of Flora’s proudest achievements came when she taught self-defense programs for children in the slums of Mukuru kwa Njenga, Mukuru kwa Reuben, and Baba Dogo, through a partnership with the NGO Teach for Kenya. For eight months, Flora shared her Karate skills with young boys and girls, empowering them to protect themselves in a challenging environment. She sees self-defense as not just a skill but a tool for resilience, especially for women and children vulnerable to violence. Her commitment to women’s empowerment extended further when she joined the Power Girl Campaign, an initiative of the Kenya Karate National Team that focuses on empowering women both in Karate and beyond.

Though Flora initially ventured into the corporate world, it wasn’t long before she realized that her true passion lay in Karate. She joined the Strathmore Titans Karate Team, where she served as captain for two years (2018–2020), and quickly rose through the ranks. The values of discipline and perseverance she learned at Strathmore became the fuel for her success. Flora’s academic journey at Strathmore was equally enriching—she studied Business Information Technology while also immersing herself in the university’s Japanese Club. Through this club, she explored the beauty of Japanese culture, from the art of origami to attending cosplay events at the Japanese Embassy. One of her fondest memories was participating in the Nodojiman Singing Competition, where she showcased her talent and passion for cultural exchange.

Karate opened up new doors for Flora, allowing her to travel, compete, and teach. It became more than just a sport for her—it became a platform for her to make a meaningful impact in society. She opened her own business, teaching Karate and empowering women through self-defense training. Through her business, Flora is helping combat issues like gender-based violence and sexual assault by equipping women with the confidence and skills to protect themselves. In recognition of her talent and dedication, Flora was invited to join the Kenya National Karate Team, where she has represented her country on the international stage. One of the highlights of her Karate journey was a six-week internship in Dublin, Ireland, where she trained with Karatekas from around the world. At the Hombu Dojo Karate International (HDKI) Cup, Flora emerged as the best overall female competitor, winning a gold medal in her category and bringing home the trophy. This victory, among many others, is a testament to Flora’s unwavering dedication to her craft.

Looking ahead, Flora is eager to further her studies in Sports Management to better understand the challenges facing athletes and sports organizations. She hopes to contribute to the development of the sports sector in Kenya and beyond, addressing issues such as athlete welfare, sustainability, and infrastructure. Despite holding a degree in Business Information Technology, Flora’s passion for cybersecurity continues to drive her aspirations for further education, with the goal of becoming an expert in the field.

Flora’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place. From her time at Strathmore University to her current role as a Karate instructor and member of the national team, Flora exemplifies what it means to live with purpose. Her journey shows that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, and with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Her message to others is simple: “Follow your passion, stay dedicated, and remember that the skills you learn along the way will shape not only your career but your entire life.”

Article written by Barbara Omondi

What’s your story? We’d like to hear it. Contact us via communications@strathmore.edu

ALSO CHECK OUT

See more news