By Baraka Simba
A story of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to personal growth and achievement is what Janet Jepchirchir Kiplagat embodies. On this International Women's Day, Janet's journey serves as an inspiration to many, particularly women, as she continues to break barriers and set an example of what it means to be determined and hardworking.
For the past seven years, Janet has worked as a security guard at Eldoret National Polytechnic, tirelessly manning the gate, ensuring the safety of staff and students. Though her role at the institution is familiar to many, few know the depth of her personal story — a story of perseverance and the pursuit of education against all odds.
Born and raised in the villages of Elgeyo Marakwet, Janet’s dream of serving in the forces was sparked by her father, who was a game ranger, and neighbors who were in the forces. "My dad was a game ranger, and he inspired me, along with some neighbors who were in the forces. Above all, I really wanted to serve in the forces," said Janet. However, as her journey unfolded, she also developed an interest in working in the banking industry, as a backup plan if her dream of joining the forces did not come to fruition.
After completing high school, Janet joined the National Youth Service (NYS), still holding onto the belief that she could eventually pursue her dreams of serving in the forces. But fate had different plans. Janet did not give up on her desire for success, and when the opportunity arose, she was placed at NYS Yatta to pursue a diploma in Information Communication Technology (ICT). This was a step closer to her ambitions, and Janet took it as an opportunity to build her future.
"When I was at NYS Yatta in 2011, I knew my journey had just begun. Even though my dream of joining the forces had backfired, I was sure that one day I would pursue accounting and finance," said Janet, reflecting on her ambitions at that stage of her life.
After completing her NYS training, Janet got married and relocated to West Pokot. In 2017, she decided to move to Eldoret in search of new employment opportunities. She emphasizes the unwavering support she received from her husband, who was always a pillar of strength in her journey. "I thank my husband because when I convinced him that I wanted to go and work, he accepted," she explained, highlighting the importance of having a supportive partner.
In 2018, Janet's perseverance paid off when she was employed as a security guard at Eldoret National Polytechnic. This marked a new chapter in her life, but Janet did not stop there. Driven by her long-held dream to pursue a career in accounting, she enrolled in a diploma course in Accounting and Finance at the same institution in January 2019.
Janet’s academic journey was far from easy. Juggling her full-time job with her studies required immense determination and time management. "It was tough since I was a regular student, and classes were during the day. There was no way I could leave my job to attend classes, as that was not part of my agreement with my employer," she said, recalling the challenges she faced. Fortunately, Eldoret National Polytechnic allowed her to continue working while studying, which proved to be a key factor in her success.
In 2021, Janet graduated with a diploma in Accounting and Finance, earning a credit for her hard work and determination. But her educational journey did not stop there. Janet, now a mother, wife, and employee, believed that age should not be a barrier to education and success. In fact, she enrolled for a degree course at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, further proving her resolve to achieve her goals.
Her commitment to balancing her studies, work, and family life paid off when she graduated with a Second Class Upper Division in her degree, narrowly missing a First Class by just one point. Janet’s achievement reflects her immense dedication, as she faced the challenges of managing various roles simultaneously. "Everything requires planning and determination. It wasn't easy since I'm a mother, an employee, and a wife. It takes someone who is truly devoted. It was hard," Janet said, emphasizing the importance of persistence and planning in achieving one’s dreams.
Janet’s story challenges the misconception that security work is only meant for men. Having spent seven years in the security sector, she encourages women to break the stereotypes and take up such jobs. "There are no jobs meant for men alone. We are all equal, and we can do even better," she said confidently, encouraging women to pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by men.
Growing up in a region where gender-based violence and practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) were prevalent, Janet is particularly passionate about advocating for the rights of young girls, especially those from marginalized communities. She firmly believes that these young girls deserve the same opportunities as their male counterparts to pursue their dreams. "I urge the government to take care of young girls, who are our future women. FGM has no place in today’s society," she said, highlighting the importance of protecting girls from harmful cultural practices.
Janet’s ultimate goal is to become an accountant, a dream she has worked tirelessly towards, despite the obstacles. Her journey stands as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the belief that anything is possible with hard work and the right support. "The sky is the limit," she says, emphasizing that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
Today, Janet Jepchirchir Kiplagat is not just a security guard at Eldoret National Polytechnic, but a role model for women and young girls across the country. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter where one comes from, or what obstacles they face, resilience, determination, and hard work can lead to the realization of even the most ambitious dreams.
Janet’s journey is a beacon of hope and inspiration to all, particularly women who may think that age, gender, or life circumstances should limit their potential. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Janet’s story reaffirms the importance of believing in oneself and never giving up on one’s dreams.
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