“For the children of the poor like us, education continues to be our only shot at a dignified life”– Nyainda Manasseh (Facebook)
Nyainda Manasse is a 27 year old communication expert at the helm of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) as the Director of Communication.
Nyainda’s appointment by Gideon Moi led to hundreds of congratulatory messages especially from people who know his life story.
His is a perfect pauper to prince story.
The Kapsabet Boys High School alumnus had an unmatched gusto for education but a poor background almost shuttered his dream.
Here is Nyainda’s story as told by WoK:
Manasse was born and raised in the lush green and picturesque Nandi County. He began his education at Nandi Hills Township where he sat his national examination.
Gifted with an acerbic wit, he emerged the best in his primary school and would therefore earn a ticket to join the admirable Kapsabet Boys High School.
According to the communication expert, he found Physics and Mathematics quite challenging and at one time implored the school to reconsider their decision on making the former a compulsory subject.
However, his strength in English and arts was unmatched.
But with his sister joining Kapsabet Girls, Nyainda’s family was overwhelmed with the school fees needed.
He therefore had to complete his studies in a different school.
Joining Kenyatta University
The 27 year old joined Kenyatta University in September 2015 to pursue Public Policy and Administration.
However, because his parents were cash-strapped, he would be in school mostly for first semesters then miss on the subsequent term.
Luckily, the institution went on long holidays in the May-August period and he would use this time to look for funds, come back and sit for exams then proceed to the next academic year.
However, things careened off the rails when the younger sister joined Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) as the school fees demands was too high for the family.
Because he didn’t want his sibling to navigate the treacherous paths as his, Nyainda took a bold decision to defer his studies for his sister to proceed with her education.
A section of his classmates couldn’t understand his decision. Perhaps they were emotional that Nyainda would be missing out on the graduation square but he was not going to retreat from his decision.
Politics
Nyainda’s skilful and creative writing would soon attract the attention of one Churchill Odhiambo who gave him a warm welcome to Orange House. This was at a time when the 2017 General Elections were beckoning.
He would then work in the ODM Dispute Tribunal Board during the nomination process. Though he was yet to get a permanent job, Nyainda made crucial connections that would soon morph into a valuable social capital.
In 2018, Nyainda made a breakthrough and joined KANU where he slowly ascended the communication echelons. He went on to serve as a communication assistant.
Through humility, and a hands-on comportment, Nyainda built a camaraderie with party boss, Gideon Moi. He would occasionally post photos with Mr. Moi on his Facebook page.
In mid 2023, Gideon Moi announced that he had appointed Nyainda as the Director of Communication for KANU. He (Moi) said that Nyainda was a versatile journalist with much needed skills in communication.
On his part, Nyainda said that his new position meant that Mr. Moi upholds meritocracy and believes in consistency.
Life-changing scholarship
When he thrust himself into politics, Nyainda’s finesse with the pen earned him a scholarship with Konrad Adenauer Foundation. He went on to matriculate at St. Paul’s University for a Diploma in Public Relations where he graduated with a distinction.
He later pursued a Bachelors of Arts in Communication and graduated in 2021.
You can follow Nyainda Manasse on Facebook through this link.
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