Retrenchment – a word that can send shivers down the spine of any employee.
The security of a steady job suddenly swept away, leaving uncertainty in its wake.
Hesbon Were, a man who had devoted years to a Kenyan Parastatal, found himself facing this very challenge.
Yet, against all odds, he managed to transform this setback into a tale of triumph and resilience.
After being laid off from his long-standing position, Were didn’t succumb to despair.
Instead, he viewed the transition as an opportunity for growth.
At the age of 48, he made the bold decision to return to school, determined to carve out a new path.
Teaching at various universities became a stepping stone, but his true passion lay elsewhere – in chicken farming.
With the sun as his ally, Were rises each day to tend to his chicken farm nestled in Kiboso village, Kisumu County.
He fondly tends to his birds, a routine that has become a testament to his dedication.
“So I went into Poultry farming and I started with broiler farming because it would give you easy cash,” Were explained.
From broilers to layers to improved Kienyeji, Were’s journey through poultry farming has been one of continuous learning and evolution.
Losing his steady job in 2008 served as the catalyst for this new direction.
The sudden blow was unexpected, leaving Were and others grappling with the harsh reality of retrenchment.
“We never thought that this employment would end before retirement,” Were shared.
The challenges were undeniable, but he refused to let them define his future.
Rising above adversity, Were’s determination led him to pursue further education.
Fueled by unwavering family support, he enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program.
Despite facing skepticism from younger peers, he emerged victorious with a first-class degree in commerce.
This accomplishment propelled him further, into a master’s degree program in strategic management, and even a PhD pursuit.
Were’s investment in education opened unexpected doors, leading to teaching roles in multiple universities.
As his academic and professional horizons expanded, he found himself engaged in chicken farming and other entrepreneurial ventures.
“You get something that has to occupy you the way employment was occupying you,” Were reflected.
Addressing the younger generation, Were emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-sufficiency. “Employment is a time that it will be there, and there will be a time to exit,” he advises, highlighting the need to build financial stability and independence.
Beyond his agricultural endeavors, Were has become an inspirational figure in his community. He works tirelessly to deter young people from falling into the trap of drug abuse, showing them the alternative path he has forged.
Today, at 63 years old, Hesbon Were story of transformation, fortitude, and the unyielding belief that setbacks can be the foundation for future success.
“Life is just like a book, made of chapters,” he declares. And Hesbon Were’s story is a chapter of triumph against all odds.
