One of the smallest ethic groups in Kenya, the Maa-speaking IIchamus community has received great honor after a woman from the community was conferred with a Doctor of philosophy degree.
Dr. Meiguran Mirasine aged 44 was conferred Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development at Kisii University during the university’s 14th colorful graduation ceremony.
Dr. Mirasine, the 2nd born in a family of five was among the 26 graduates conferred with similar awards at the University.
The Ilchamus is a Maa-speaking community living in the South and South East of Lake Baringo, with a population of approximately 32,949 people according to the 2019 national census.
The community has previously sought political recognition and support from the state and a significant recent development is the government’s announcement of a new Sub-County for the Ilchamus in Baringo, aimed at improving their access to government services and representation.
Mirasine who is a specialist in agricultural extension work and rural development, said her PhD thesis titled Determinants ‘Inclusive Agricultural Value chain and impact on livelihoods in the Maize Seed Multiplication Programme’ in Baringo South was a milestone in her research.
The research was based on a maize seed development programme in Baringo South which has been running since 1996.
“The study established that production logistics like inadequate irrigation capacity among farmers, poor road network to the interior farms, inadequate post-harvest facilities, inefficiencies in farmer group management and limited contractual knowledge among farmers were among the challenges faced by farmers in the area,” she said.
Her research, she said, therefore recommends various actions from government, private sector and farming households to ensure farmers’ efforts do not go to waste with the programme contributing to betterment of livelihoods
The mother of three explained her experience since primary school saying she was brought up by two women, her mother and grandmother, experiencing many challenges including poverty which led to child labor, and lack of basic needs like food and school fees at times.
However, she explained that she strived for excellence, balancing family, work and education responsibilities.
“This was made possible because of the very strong support by my family who have been my encouragement and motivation,” stated Mirasine.
She mused about her achievement which she said had softened the blow of being raised in the difficult life in the rural arid land where she recalled taking turns to care for livestock in the far grazing areas and therefore, missing school 2-3 days in a week especially during periods of intense drought.
Mirasine joined high school in 1996-1999 at Pemwai Girls in Baringo, where she was in a class of 81 and was among the only two girls who made it to university.
She then joined Egerton University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and Extension and at the end of the 4 years she excelled with First Class degree Honours.
She later joined humanitarian and development industry working and serving vulnerable communities in different counties within Kenya with different Non-Governmental Organisations.
Afterwards, she enrolled for Master’s degree between 2012-2015 to sharpen her skills before her current doctorate award.
To all the young girls and women of Ilchamus community and even the other
minority groups in Kenya who experiences challenges of marginalization, Mirasine said that with determination and resilience, it was possible to succeed.
She also advised the young graduates seeking employment to market themselves using the great knowledge they have acquired through internship, and also voluntary work to enhance their skills and experience which can come handy during hiring.
“I also urge you to do voluntary work and work diligently in everything you do because diligence cannot go unnoticed,” she concluded.
According to the Kisii University acting Chancellor Dr. Sara Ruto, today’s world demands a competency-based education approach and urged the university graduates to develop a continuous learning mindset in a bid to remain relevant.
Dr. Ruto observed that being a learner for life will ensure the graduates are positioned to take advantage of available opportunities.
- By Clinton Nyamumbo and Jane Naitore
