Torkuteru Petrol Station along Langas Road in Eldoret was more than just a fuelling point—it was twice a home for promising setter Bernard Kiplimo.
Now playing for Administration Police of Kenya (APK) in the Kenya Volleyball Federation men’s National League, Kiplimo has come a long way from his difficult past. Having crossed over from Rift Valley Prisons this season, the 20-year-old’s journey has been anything but ordinary.
Kiplimo, who has never known his mother, ran away from home after completing Standard Eight at Sumeiyon Primary School in 2018, seeking refuge on the streets of Eldoret.
“I have never seen my mother since I was born, but I have a sister (Beatrice). My mother gave birth to two children, but things didn’t work out with my dad (William Cheboi), so she left the home. That’s what I was told. Growing up, I didn’t feel the love of my mother, and in a way, that disoriented me to date.”
Raised by his stepmother, Kiplimo struggled with life at home despite his father’s support. The hardships intensified after primary school, pushing him to flee to Eldoret, where he lived on the streets to fend for himself.
“On the streets, I found peace that wasn’t at home despite the struggles. I would help people carry luggage, assist conductors and drivers in washing matatus and buses for some money to buy food. But it wasn’t enough to afford a place to sleep, so I made Torkuteru Petrol Station my home.”
Despite the dangers of street life, including exposure to drugs, Kiplimo steered clear of bad influences.
“There were other children who engaged in drugs and sniffing glue, but I’m happy I didn’t indulge. Maybe if I had, I wouldn’t be here chasing my dreams—not only of becoming a professional player and making it to the national team but also of becoming a police officer.”
Kiplimo found solace in volleyball. He often watched Rift Valley Prisons train, and his consistent presence caught the attention of the players and technical bench, led by coach Nelson Kibet.
“The more I watched them train, the more the sport fascinated me. They noticed me and engaged me. I opened up about my struggles, and they allowed me to stay in one of the houses. I was relieved. I didn’t have to worry about food or where to sleep. I had played volleyball in primary school, but it wasn’t as competitive as it was at the club level.”
Standing at 181 cm and weighing 65 kg, Kiplimo’s potential did not go unnoticed. Rift Valley Prisons players took him in until his father, upon hearing of his whereabouts, came to get him.
His father insisted that he return to school, having received an admission letter to Cheptil High School in 2019.
“At Cheptil, I joined the school volleyball team but didn’t get to play in Form One. I accompanied the team to school games. Cheptil is a powerhouse in the sport, so getting a chance to play meant you were really good. I stayed on the sidelines for two years.”
Frustrated, Kiplimo ran away from school and returned to the streets, but thoughts of a better future led him back.
“I knew I had messed up. When I returned, I apologised to the principal and explained why I had left. He was understanding and committed to being my guardian. Since my father wasn’t visiting me at school, he didn’t know I had left. I used to stay at school even during holidays. It was hard watching my classmates go home and return with shopping and pocket money.”
In Form Three, Kiplimo finally got his chance and helped Cheptil win the National School Term Two Games in Nakuru before clinching the East and Central Africa School trophy in Tanzania.
“I was part of the team that won both the national and regional titles in my debut. It was the greatest feeling ever, and it gave me hope. We didn’t perform well in 2023, losing to Anderson High School in the Rift Valley Regional Games semi-final, but I had learned a lot.”
After scoring a C-minus in his KCSE, Kiplimo rejoined Rift Valley Prisons to hone his skills further.
“It was easy to go back. I’m grateful to the team and especially team manager Caroline Chebet, who welcomed me back. I trained with them, mastered their play, and was included in the squad that traveled to Nairobi for league matches. It was my first time in Nairobi. Although we lost to Kenya Army (3-1), Kenya Defence Forces (3-0), and Equity Bank (3-0), playing at that level was everything.”
As the new season started last October in Nyeri, Administration Police of Kenya (APK) coach Linus Sang sought Kiplimo’s services.
“The thought of moving to Nairobi and staying there was fulfilling. At Rift Valley, I had no job, just small allowances. The management understood my background and my ambitions, so they let me go. Since joining APK, life has been good. I have a house, food, and a training base nearby. Don’t you notice the difference? Even my physique?” he quipped.
Kiplimo, who also plays for Baringo in the Mtaa Games, says he is in no hurry to find his mother.
“My playing career is taking off well. My focus is making it to the national team. I want to give my all and help my club perform well in the league, hoping for employment in the future. But for now, I’m just thankful that I have the basic needs.”
