At 77, Edward John Gachina, a Kenyan national, has enrolled for a Diploma in Business Administration at Kampala International University (KIU) for the January 2025 intake.
Twenty-three years after retiring, Gachina is pursuing his long-held dream of higher education, inspired by friends who studied at KIU.
A father of five, his passion for learning dates back to his youth, when he studied privately at home and only attended school for exams.
Despite his father’s disapproval, he earned his East African Advanced Certificate of Education and later pursued certificates in bookkeeping and accounting.
Over the years, he authored an autobiography, “The Odyssey of an African Man”, which reflects his courage and determination.
Now, with his children grown and his farm managed by employees, Gachina has decided it’s time to focus on his own education.
As a distance learner, Gachina will study from home while managing his avocado business. He believes the diploma will help him run his business more effectively and keep him intellectually engaged with his highly educated children, some of whom hold Master’s degrees and PhDs.
“I want to be part of their conversations and not feel left out,” he said.
“To fellow seniors, I say it’s not too late. You can return to school or university to keep your mind active,” he advised. He also encouraged young students to prioritize education and surround themselves with positive influences.
With plans to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree and even a Master’s Degree after his diploma, only the sky can be Gachina’s limit.
Watch his story here;
