To the public, musician Esther Akoth, better known as Akothee, is bold, controversial, loud and unapologetic. But beyond the headlines, viral posts and dramatic online persona lies a woman whose most intentional role has never required an audience – motherhood.
Long before the fame, the music empire and the global brand, she was a 14-year-old girl raising a child. Today, that child, Vesha Akello, is pursuing a Master’s degree in Global Marketing at Oxford Brookes University.
At 28, Vesha has carved out her own identity as a businesswoman. She serves as a director at her mother’s company, Akothee Safaris, and co-founded Savvy House, a marketing agency. A graduate of Strathmore University (Class of 2020), she says her journey to Oxford was carefully planned and deeply spiritual.
“It was never accidental,” she says.
Studying in the UK has always been my dream. My mum and I talked about it so many times, I honestly lost count. There were quiet conversations and even quieter prayers long before it became reality.
When the time came, my mum asked me two very important questions: Which university do you want, and which Master’s degree will you pursue?
With my background and experience, especially as co-founder of Savvy House, I knew it had to be a Master’s in global marketing.
Vesha during the launch party of her Chateau Cellar Gastro Club at The Promenade, Westlands on July 29, 2023.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
I started researching universities that are globally recognised for Marketing and PR, particularly those affiliated with the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Several stood out, but every time I narrowed down my options, my mind and spirit kept returning to Oxford Brookes University. It just felt right.
Did you apply yourself, or did someone else do it for you?
Yes, but I sought guidance. The moment I knew which university I wanted, I reached out to an agency to support me through the process. This was my first time applying to a UK university, and I knew I needed guidance.
The agency helped me understand the entire process, from structuring my personal statement, refining my CV and clearly articulating why I was a strong candidate for the programme. That support made a huge difference. I was so patient and consistent with them. I kept following up until the last step.
When people see me celebrating online, they don’t always see the challenges behind it.
First, the visa requirements were demanding. I needed over £25,000 (Sh4 million) in my account to qualify for a student visa.
I submitted my visa application in December 2025, yet I was up for the January 2026 intake.
By February 5 I had not received any response, and the reporting deadline of January 19 had already passed.
I was on the verge of giving up. I had even reached out to the school to ask whether I could defer my admission.
Then, on February 7, my visa finally came through. I cried and went straight to my mum’s house because she knew how hard we had worked for this. The cost of living in the UK is high, and I am grateful for my mother’s continued support.
It is a two-year programme that combines deep academic learning with practical, real-world experience. This balance is very important to me as I continue building my career in global marketing.
Haha. Everything moves very fast. I sometimes don’t understand how my days end. The learning style is highly independent, and you are expected to think critically, speak up, and manage your time well.
Socially, I find London to be exciting, global, and diverse, but people are more individualistic compared to Kenya. Thankfully, the Kenyans here are so welcoming.
Musician Esther Akoth (left), better known as Akothee, and her daughter Vesha Akello.
Back home, community comes naturally. Here, you have to be intentional about building friendships and networks, but once you do, it is incredibly enriching. I am in the third week, and all is going very well.
Well, I expected heavy reading and intense coursework, and high academic standards. What surprised me was the level of self-discipline required and how fast time moves. No one forces you to participate in class. If you choose not to engage, your results will reflect that.
Beyond academics, there’s profound personal growth in terms of confidence, independence and resilience. Living in a new country without my family around me is something I’m adjusting to every day.
Start early. Be intentional. Don’t wait to feel ready. Research your options, ask questions, and don’t doubt yourself. Most importantly, believe that global opportunities are not reserved for others. They are for you too.
I come from a generation of hardworking women, including my mother and my grandmother, and mediocrity honestly scares me. I have lived both lives, you know? I already understand what it means to have and to lack. I would never want to lack ever in my life.
When I look at my mother, I see the purest example of hard work, sacrifice, and grace.
My mother has proved to me that good things in life are earned through consistency and hard work. I want to be like my mother.
That is what pushes me. Beyond that, I also want to be an inspiration to the youth.
I have been receiving a lot of congratulatory messages from people who say they are inspired by what I do and can’t wait to see the success that comes with it.
Of course there are also those with differing opinions, and sometimes I read their comments and wonder if I somehow needed permission to pursue my dream.
Musician Akothee with her daughter Vesha during the launch of Chateau Cellar Gastro Club at The Promenade, Westlands on July 29, 2023.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
But I didn’t make this move overnight; there were countless nights of fasting, long hours of research, and constant communication with my agency. I’m glad all that effort has finally borne fruit.
I am pursuing a Master’s in Global Marketing. The course is wide because it blends global strategy, AI-driven marketing solutions, global digital marketing practices, and international brand thinking.
It is very practical and strongly future-focused, equipping me with the skills and perspective needed to compete and lead in a global marketing landscape.
Beyond the technical skills, this course will help me become a global brand strategist, especially for international brands entering the African market.
