By Makana Edith Salome
University life often comes with financial strain, but some students at Rongo University are finding creative and determined ways to stay afloat.
Despite fatigue, time constraints, and academic pressure, they continue to push forward—proving that resilience and determination can turn hardship into opportunity.
For Vincent Nyanumba, survival goes beyond lectures and exams. As a second-year student, he faces the daily pressure of paying rent, buying food, and meeting basic needs with limited support.
Rather than give in, Vincent works part-time at Zone Gas.
“I work at Zone Gas whenever I’m free from lectures,” he says.
His role involves delivering gas cylinders to homes and businesses—a physically demanding job that requires consistency. Despite the effort, he values the flexibility it offers.
“The job mainly involves delivering gas around town, and it’s flexible enough for me to balance with school,” he adds.
The income has eased his financial burden and reduced dependence on his family.
“Being able to earn some money while studying has been crucial for me. I don’t have to depend on my parents for everything,” he says.
With his earnings, he pays rent, buys food, and even saves a little.
“I can pay for my rent, buy my food, and even save a little for emergencies.”
Still, the work is not without challenges. Long hours and exhaustion sometimes affect his concentration in class.
“There are days when I’m really tired after making deliveries,” he admits.
Even so, he remains committed.
“At the end of the day, I feel proud of myself for being able to work and earn something.”
Vincent says the experience has also taught him discipline and time management.
While Vincent relies on physical labor, Gladis Wanga has turned to entrepreneurship.
A fourth-year student, Gladis at the university runs a small clothing business from her hostel room, selling to fellow students.
“I sell clothes to my fellow students. I mostly do it in my room, but sometimes I go door to door,” she explains.
Her understanding of her peers helps her stay competitive.
“I know what my peers like to wear. That makes it easier to offer clothes they would buy.”
She buys stock in bulk and sells at a profit.
“The extra cash helps me pay for my books and other essentials,” she says.
Her business has given her financial independence.
“I don’t have to ask my parents for money every time I need something.”
Balancing business and academics, however, can be overwhelming.
“I sometimes feel overwhelmed when I have assignments piling up and I need to attend to customers at the same time,” she says.
Even so, she has learned to manage her time better. The experience has also boosted her confidence and future ambitions.
“I’m always saving a portion of the profit because I want to be prepared for life after graduation,” she says, adding that she hopes to open a boutique one day.
For Simon Kinyua, the stakes are even higher.
As a third-year student and firstborn, he supports both himself and his family. On weekends, he works at construction sites doing “mjengo.”
“I have to look for money because I’m the firstborn son. There’s a lot of responsibility on my shoulders,” he says.
The work is physically demanding, involving heavy lifting and manual labor.
Despite the strain, it enables him to meet his needs.
“I have been able to pay for my bills, including rent and transport, without asking my parents for help.”
He also sends money home.
“I send some of the money back home to help with household expenses.”
The work can be exhausting and sometimes affects his studies.
“There are times when I am really tired, but I have to keep going,” he says.
Still, he remains determined.
“The money I make helps me pay for rent and even buy groceries. It’s a relief not to rely on anyone else.”
Simon says the experience has taught him perseverance and responsibility, and he remains focused on completing his degree.
“I know that with hard work, I can overcome any challenge,” he says.