My Journey Through the Decades

Ah, life! A true rollercoaster with ups, downs, and moments that leave you asking, "Who sent me to this life, surely?" As I recount my decades, you’ll laugh, maybe cry, and definitely shake your head in recognition of the beautiful chaos that is life.

Haha, no need to go all the way back to birth! My memory's a little foggy from those early years. Let's start a bit later, when I actually remember stuff! ??

1995-2004: The Mchanga Chronicles

This was the era of innocence when my main goals in life were to avoid punishment and remember to bring back the correct change from the shop. My days were filled with school, dodging flying sandals from my mother, and wondering what career I’d choose—doctor, pilot, or maybe just the person who gets to taste-test chapatis for a living.

Life, though, had its curveballs. We lost a sibling during this time, and in African households, you learn that grief is shared—but so is every last tear and wail during those emotional family meetings. It was my first lesson that life doesn’t always dance to your rhythm, but you keep moving anyway.

2005-2014: Finding Myself (and My First Simba)

This was the decade of education and discovery—or as my relatives called it, “Umefika wapi na masomo?” (How far are you with school?). I cleared secondary school, picked up a diploma, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree. But let me tell you, the real education was learning to cook for myself during university. Burnt rice? Tick. Under-cooked ugali? Double tick.

I also ventured into the workforce, starting in IT before realizing social sciences were calling my name louder than a village chief at a baraza. Somewhere along the way, I even built my first simba—a small bachelor’s pad where I could finally say, “I’m a man now!” The community approved, but only after they had inspected the roof, walls, and whether I had a proper sofa or was still sitting on plastic chairs.

2015-2024: Adulting is Not for the Weak

Let me tell you, this is the decade when life grabbed me by the collar and said, “Kijana, sasa umesimama kwa miguu yako!” (Young man, now you’re standing on your own two feet!). I got married (yes, I paid bride price, and no, I won’t reveal how many cows), had my first child, and immersed myself in my career.

Work was a mbio za sakafuni (a race on the floor) as I moved from Project Officer to M&E Officer, then to Global Director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning. I traveled across East Africa, flew to the USA, and even joined fancy professional networks. Let’s just say I was climbing the ladder of success kama mwanaume wa shoka (like a determined warrior).

The years unfolded like chapters in a story I never imagined would be mine. I ventured deeper into the global arena, far beyond Kenya’s borders, reaching across three East African countries. With every step, I seemed to gather more: my second car, a symbol of the distance I’d traveled; enrollment in a Master's in M&E, a step into something even bigger; and in 2023, a game-changing appointment as the Head of MERL. This position didn’t just shift my career—it thrust me into leadership, making me part of the Senior Management Team and expanding my reach into six countries across East and South Africa.

But the journey wasn’t only professional. I welcomed my second child into the world, and with that, I built my second house—a "matrimonial house" in my community—a testament to both my personal and professional growth. This decade, I didn’t just build a career. I built expertise in MERL, and even had the privilege of mentoring two Ph.D. students from the USA and the UK as they conducted their research in Africa, leaving my mark in their publications.

And if that wasn’t enough, I found myself consulting for organizations across the globe—ten consultancies in total—further cementing my place in this ever-expanding world. I didn’t just build a life, I sculpted a legacy.But it wasn’t all roses. We lost another sibling—grief once again knocked on our door, reminding us that life, while sweet, has its bittersweet moments.

2025-2034: The Decade of Dreams (and Teenagers)

Ehe! This is the decade I’ve been eyeing like a plate of steaming nyama choma. By 2028, I’ll be on the 4th floor of life (hello, 40s!), and as they say, life begins at 40—though my knees are already warning me otherwise.

This decade will be about leveling up. I plan to get a doctorate, transition into senior leadership, and finally establish myself as an M&E guru who can command respect kama mkubwa wa kijiji (like the village elder). My children will become teenagers, and I’m already bracing myself for the dramatic “I didn’t ask to be born” speeches.

I also want to build my final village home, complete with a proper gate and nyayo za simba (lion footprints) embossed on the pillars—just to make the cows jealous. And of course, I look forward to sitting with my aging parents, laughing at life, and enjoying the simple moments over a cup of tea brewed with stories.

Life, with a Dash of Humor

If life has taught me anything, it’s this: Maisha ni kitunguu, kila ukikata, lazima ulie kidogo (Life is an onion; every time you slice it, you cry a little). But even in the tears, there’s laughter, growth, and the occasional stubborn goat to chase out of your garden.

As I march into the next decade, I carry with me all the lessons, laughter, and a few African proverbs to guide the way. Because at the end of the day, life is a journey—one where you laugh at yourself, cry a little, and keep going because, well, what else can you do? Hii dunia haina brakes! (This world has no brakes!)

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