Behind every course choice lies a tug of war between parental expectations and a student’s true calling.
When John Thumbi Maina received his KCSE results, which qualified him for direct university entry, he was certain about his future. He wanted to pursue Mass Communication. But his mother, who had financed his education, had other plans.
“My mum wanted me to follow in her footsteps and study nursing because she is a nurse, but I couldn’t,” he recalls.
Neither was willing to back down. As the standoff continued, John’s mother found what she believed was a practical alternative, inspired by a neighbour’s success.
“Our neighbour’s son had done a diploma in sales and marketing and got a job. He used to come home with an office vehicle, and people assumed it was his. Suddenly, many parents began pushing their children toward business-related courses,” John says.
Left with no choice, John enrolled at the University of Nairobi to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in business administration. But from the start, he struggled.
“I faced many challenges. I did not want that course or anything to do with it. I deferred several times and ended up graduating a year later than my classmates,” he says.
Each challenging topic became another reason to skip lectures, further straining his relationship with his mother. When he reached out to his grandmother, whom he describes as his strong pillar and instrumental in his upbringing, his mother remained unmoved.
“I had a lot of disagreements with my mum every time I deferred because she thought I was joking with life. She almost disowned me, and at some point, she was reluctant to pay for the exams and everything. She told me to find my own money to waste. I had to prove that I was trying.”
John joined university at just 17, and he now believes his age made it harder for his voice to be heard. He lived with his older brother, and when he finally graduated, he gave his certificate to his sister in law to keep. After graduating, finding a job proved even more difficult.
“My roles in the informal sector are countless; from being a DJ, a matatu tout on Kayole and Umoja routes for three years, to working as a watchman, a car washer in Komarock, and even a handcart pusher,” he says.
Concerned about his direction, his mother urged him to join the National Youth Service (NYS) and train as a tractor driver. He declined, opting instead to study automotive engineering, which he later dropped.
“When I dropped out, my mum insisted I switch again and become a plant operator, but I refused. I knew I couldn’t go back to school, so I quit NYS and started job hunting on my own. Luckily, I soon found an opportunity, and I was determined to make it work.”
John Thumbi Maina, the CEO of Inda Fitness, Eco Charge Bikes ltd and Anchor Clearing and Forwarding Company ltd. After KCSE, he wanted to study Mass Communication; however, his mother, who is a nurse, wanted him to follow her path or do Sales and Marketing.
Six years after graduation, John landed his first formal job as a salesperson at an e-commerce company in Nairobi.
“I found that sales came naturally to me. I did not struggle at all. After two months I was a top performer, then I joined another company. Everything was going well. Soon afterwards, I started my own business and so far, so good.”
John has always been a fitness enthusiast. So, after gaining experience in sales, he started his own company where he sells gym equipment. He is the CEO of three companies: Inda Fitness, Eco Charge Bikes, and Anchor Clearing and Forwarding Company.
“Instead of going for my master's, I have done short courses in my line of business. I took a one-year course with the Kenya Revenue Authority, and I am a licensed Clearing and Forwarding agent.”
Now, John is applying his business degree to expand his ventures, including plans to venture into the e-bike industry.
“It is not just about making money, it is about passion and transforming an industry. Many developed countries are embracing e-bikes, and I want to be part of that shift,” he says.
Looking back, John regrets not having taken the nursing course his mother had chosen for him at the onset.
“I wasted a lot of time. I also wish I had taken the NYS path earlier because the discipline I gained there is unmatched,” he reflects.
Now a father, John’s perspective has evolved.
“My eldest son is in Grade 8. By the time he joins university, traditional career paths may not matter as much. I will support whatever my children choose, but I will guide them,” he says.
His advice to students is simple:
“Don’t choose courses because they sound prestigious. Follow a path that allows you to create opportunities for yourself, even without formal employment.”
Mary Bosibori Onkoba, a mother of five, has taken a different path. Although she did not go to university, she has always involved her children in career discussions from an early age.
“I’ve never believed in forcing children into careers they don’t like. My firstborn chose electrical engineering, and we supported him,” she says.
Mary, who loved mathematics, helped her children with their studies, boosting their confidence. Over time, her older children began mentoring their younger siblings.
“When my lastborn daughter was 11 years old, her brother gifted her a laptop. When she joined high school, developed an interest in computer studies. After scoring a B plain in KCSE, she chose Business and Information Technology—a course she is comfortable with,” she says.
Mary acknowledges that parenting has changed.
“In the past, parents dictated their children’s careers. Today, there are many options, and children should choose what suits them,” she says.
Career mentor, Scholasticah Muniu, says that most parents still exert significant influence over their children’s career choices.
“Unfortunately, many students choose careers based on their environment—teachers, parents, and peers—rather than their own passions,” she says.
With university applications now done online, she encourages parents to be more involved, even visiting institutions physically.
“Walk into universities with your child. Ask questions. Even if you don’t fully understand, your involvement helps them make informed decisions,” she advises.
She also emphasises aligning careers with personal interests.
“If medicine is your passion, then you can be a doctor, a pharmacist, or a nurse. Choosing a course in medicine and music are totally different and pursuing a career that is not aligned with your strengths will end up hurting you,” she says.
Scholastica encourages parents to allow their children to choose courses that they are comfortable with.
“It is all about the best interest of the child. Even if your child becomes a doctor, they will not be your doctor, so, sit and listen to understand who your child is and what they want to study, then agree on the best career fit for them.”
Scholasticah Muniu, a Career Mentor
Common mistakes
Dr Pamela Ochungo, a lecturer in Geospatial Engineering at the Technical University of Kenya, warns against common mistakes students make during the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) application process.
“I have seen students select courses like medicine, law, or engineering simply because they are perceived as prestigious, only to struggle later. Others choose courses without understanding what they entail. For example, some assume computer science is simply about using computers, while business courses are often underestimated in terms of their analytical demands,” she says.
She says that most students end up making mistakes during the selection process due to excitement.
“Another challenge is ignoring subject requirements and cluster points, or placing all hopes on a single course or university. The best course lies at the intersection of what you are good at, what you enjoy, and the opportunities available. When I chose to study geospatial engineering, it was not because it was widely known, but because it aligned with my strengths in science and my curiosity about solving real world problems using data.”
Before choosing any course, Dr Ochungo encourages students to ask themselves questions like, which subjects do I perform well in? What do I enjoy learning? What kind of work do I see myself doing in the future?
Dr Ochungo further encourages students to seek guidance from teachers, career masters, university websites, and even recent graduates.
“Asking questions and seeking clarity is essential. Parents play an important role, even if they don’t fully understand the system.”
Dr Ochungo also advises students to be strategic in their approach, by including a few ambitious choices, several realistic options, and one or two safe options, and arranging their picks in the order of true preference.
“The KUCCPS system considers both merit and how courses are ranked, so the order matters. Filling all available slots and selecting related courses across different institutions increases the chances of a favourable placement.”
While some students plan to change courses after being placed in universities, Dr Ochungo says that this has its pros and cons.
“While this is possible, it is not always easy. On the positive side, it allows students to correct their path if they realise a course is not suitable. However, it is often competitive, depends on available space, and requires meeting the new course requirements. In some cases, it may delay academic progress. It is better to make a thoughtful choice from the beginning.
“Choosing a course is an important decision, but it is a starting point, not the final destination. With commitment, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, students can grow, adapt, and build successful careers in different fields.”
What parents say
Lucy Atieno Omondi, Nairobi
“My son scored B Plain and he wants to pursue nursing, but he did not get the best grade in Chemistry. Now, I am telling him to choose a different course so that after admission to a university, he can change the course. He can also take courses in education and survey, but the more we explore the options, the more my son is gets confused.”
Consulate Adhiambo, Kajiado
“My daughter scored C Plus, and she wants to study nursing, but I do not know whether she qualifies for the course or not. I do not know how to read so my daughter will choose the course herself. This is my first child joining university and since she was in primary school, she wanted to become a nurse. Now that she passed her exams, I believe that she will find her way.”
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