NAIROBI, Kenya – Let’s be honest—public service in Kenya doesn’t always have the best reputation.
Long queues, stone-faced officials, and customer service that makes you question your life choices.
But occasionally, you meet someone who reminds you that not all hope is lost.
This is the story of a deputy registrar at a Nairobi university, Margaret Cokumu—an unsung hero whose office isn’t just a stop for paperwork but a gateway to transformation.
Beyond the Bureaucracy: A Rare Encounter
It was one of those Nairobi afternoons where the heat makes you reconsider all your decisions.
I had navigated four matatus, endured the chaos of the city, and arrived at the university, expecting the usual public service experience—disinterested glances, curt responses, and an overall feeling that I was wasting someone’s time.
Instead, I walked into her office and felt something different.
She greeted me warmly, offered me a seat, and then did something that caught me off guard—she listened.
Not just to my question about enrollment, but to my story, my ambitions, and my dreams.
She wasn’t in a hurry to dismiss me. She wanted to understand why I was considering this course and how it would shape my future.
And then came the unexpected twist—she encouraged me.
More Than a Job: A Mission to Change Lives
She wasn’t just handing out admission forms; she was shaping destinies.
Instead of treating me like another student in a never-ending line, she gave me confidence.
She explained that my journey wasn’t just about getting a degree but about the bigger picture—how I could turn my education into a meaningful career.
And she didn’t stop with me. Weeks into my course, I realized she was a pillar for many students.
Whether someone needed guidance on career paths, help navigating admission hurdles, or reassurance that they were on the right track, she was always there.
Even students who didn’t meet the requirements for their dream courses found alternative pathways under her guidance.
In a public sector often riddled with inefficiency and corruption, she was proof that service could still mean something.
She understood what it took to get to that university—financial struggles, long commutes, and the sheer determination to pursue education despite the odds.
And because of that, she made sure every student who knocked on her door left better than they came.
The Public Servant Who Serves
During one of our conversations, I asked what fueled her passion. Her response was simple yet profound.
She told me she is a Christian, and for her, public service isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. The pay didn’t drive her; the impact did.
She knew the weight of her position.
She wasn’t just processing applications; she was opening doors for people who might otherwise be locked out of opportunities.
In a country where systemic failures can feel overwhelming, she was a reminder that there are still people who genuinely care.
Hope in the System
As Kenya continues to grapple with challenges in public service, stories like hers remind us that change doesn’t always come from grand reforms—it often starts with individuals who simply choose to do the right thing.
So on this International Women’s Day, we celebrate her and every woman who turns their role into a force for good.
Nairobi needs more of them. Kenya needs more of them. And thanks to her, I know that the system, as flawed as it is, still has bright spots.
Because of her, I got more than just information about a degree—I got hope.
