By Beth Njeri | June 23, 2025
Humble Beginnings in Sigorian
In the heart of rural Sigorian Village, Bomet County, Kenya, a young girl once made her daily walk to school without shoes. She didn’t have much not in terms of possessions but she carried with her something that couldn’t be measured: resilience.
Born to a widowed mother and raised in the margins of Kenya’s socio-economic landscape, Emily Chepngetich Sitienei grew up in a home shaped by struggle, but fortified by faith. With the support of the Catholic Church and the surrounding community, her family survived — and eventually, thrived.
That barefoot girl would go on to shatter expectations. She would grow into a woman who inspires counties, educates nations, and heals societies. Today, we know her as Professor Emily Chepngetich Sitienei, the first woman from Bomet County to hold such a distinguished academic title.
The Relentless Climb Through Education
Emily’s journey through the education system is nothing short of legendary. After attending Sigorian Primary School, she earned her spot at Kipsigis Girls High School, where she laid the foundation for what would become a life of academic excellence.
She later joined Moi University, where she earned:
- A Bachelor of Education (Arts)
- A Master of Philosophy in Guidance & Counselling
- A Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology
But she didn’t stop there. She went on to complete Post-Doctoral research at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, engaging in deep work around vulnerable children and psychosocial well-being.
Prof. Sitienei is now a leading figure in education and counseling — a professor at Moi University and currently on sabbatical at the University of Eldoret — admired as much for her academic contributions as for her mentorship, humility, and commitment to social justice.
Scholar. Advocate. Healer.
Prof. Sitienei’s academic work centers around psychosocial counseling, education for orphans and vulnerable children, trauma recovery, and mental health among youth. Her prolific research output — over 30 published journal articles and several books — has influenced both policy and practice.
Her writing is not abstract. It speaks to real, lived pain:
- “Life Experiences of Children Living on the Streets in Kenya”
- “Psychosocial Support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Kericho”
- “Effects of Counseling on Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya”
- “Psycho-educational and social interventions for orphans and vulnerable children in community-based organization in Soweto, South Africa“
These aren’t just scholarly works — they’re acts of advocacy.
The People’s Professor: A Foray into Politics
In 2022, Prof. Sitienei took a bold step: she vied for the position of Bomet County Women Representative.
Her decision wasn’t motivated by power, but by service. She wanted to bring educational equity, mental health reform, and youth empowerment to the political arena. Her campaign was well-received, especially among youth and women.
But then, due to demands in her profession and career and in an unexpected act of grace, she made a courageous decision: she bowed out in support of Linet Toto.
“It was never about personal ambition. It was about Bomet. I saw that unity was more important than division. I chose service over spotlight.”
That single act — rare in Kenya’s often divisive political landscape — earned her even greater respect across the county. It confirmed what her colleagues already knew: Prof. Sitienei leads with heart, not ego.
An Educator Who Mentors with Purpose
Prof. Sitienei is not just a teacher — she is a mentor, life coach, and second mother to countless students.
She has supervised numerous postgraduate theses and served as an external examiner in Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Her mentorship often extends beyond the university — to school boards, women’s groups, and youth fellowships.
She currently serves as the Chairperson of KEBASA, the Kenya Bomet Association of Scholars and Academicians—a distinguished network of 125 scholars from Bomet County who have earned doctorate degrees across various fields. These accomplished individuals serve in local universities, international institutions, and the global private sector, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the association. Despite their diverse backgrounds and global reach, they remain united by a common purpose: to give back to their community and uplift future generations.
Under her dynamic leadership, KEBASA has rolled out targeted initiatives aimed at sensitizing young learners about the importance of education, encouraging them to pursue academic excellence and personal development. The association also plays an active role in strengthening civic education, helping communities understand their rights and responsibilities under the Constitution, and promoting active, informed participation in public affairs. In addition, KEBASA works to influence local policy, contributing scholarly insights and research-based recommendations to address pressing issues in education, governance, and social development. Through these efforts, KEBASA seeks to inspire and empower a new generation of thinkers, leaders, and changemakers grounded in knowledge, civic duty, and a commitment to sustainable, inclusive progress. Additionally she serves as:
- Director, Destiny Mentors (a mentorship movement empowering the girl child)
- Board Member, multiple schools in Bomet
- Member, Peace Warriors Organization
- Leadership Council Member, Sustainable Development Solutions Network-Kenya
A Legacy of Giving Back
Prof. Sitienei believes that education is not just a ladder out of poverty — it’s a responsibility to lift others. Her story would be incomplete without acknowledging how she continues to pour back into the communities that raised her.
She helps fund education for needy students, provides psychological counseling in crisis zones, and develops empowerment programs for children with disabilities, street-connected youth, and survivors of trauma.
Every holiday, you’ll likely find her in Bomet — not resting, but running workshops, checking on school boards, or mentoring girls who remind her of the barefoot girl she once was.
The Bigger Picture: Her Footsteps Are a Map
Prof. Sitienei isn’t just a professor. She is:
- A symbol of resilience
- A bridge between worlds
- A leader who refuses to leave anyone behind
Her life is a lesson for young girls who believe their dreams are too big for their village — and for leaders who have forgotten what it means to serve with humility.
Final Word: When One Woman Rises, a Nation is Lifted
In Kenya, and across Africa, the story of Prof. Emily Chepngetich Sitienei is not just inspiring — it’s transformational.
She is a reminder that greatness can come from anywhere. That one girl, with enough support, faith, and fire, can move from barefoot to the professoriate — and still remain rooted in her people.
As her legacy continues to unfold, her message remains clear:
“Never forget where you come from. Use your success to create bridges — not walls.”
Want to Support Her Work?
Do you believe in the power of education to break generational poverty? Do you want to help rural girls walk boldly into their future, just like Prof. Sitienei once did — barefoot, but burning with purpose?
Now is your chance to be part of her mission.
Join Prof. Emily Chepngetich Sitienei in:
- Mentoring rural girls in Bomet and beyond
- Funding scholarships and school supplies for underprivileged learners
- Expanding psychosocial counseling programs in underserved schools
- Supporting community outreach for orphans, youth, and children with disabilities
Whether you’re an individual, organization, or donor — your support can change lives.
Reach out: info@southrift.co.ke
Call or WhatsApp: +254 796 003 535
Together, we can carry the torch of transformation — and light the path for the next barefoot professor.
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