From Herding Goats to Earning Two PhDs: Kenyan Scholar Makes History in His Community

Daniel Ing’ollan Nawose, once a young herdsman in Turkana, Kenya, has made history as the first in his community to earn two PhDs, overcoming poverty and adversity to become a beacon of educational success.

Daniel Ing’ollan Nawose, a resilient scholar from Turkana County, Kenya, has made history as the first person in his community to earn two PhDs, rising from a childhood of hardship spent herding livestock to becoming a beacon of academic excellence.

Growing up in drought-stricken Turkana East, Nawose began working as a herdsman at age 12 to support his widowed mother and siblings. His life changed unexpectedly in 1980 after a cleric introduced him to formal education, sparking a lifelong commitment to learning.

He balanced school with work, attended Lokitaung Secondary School, and joined the military in 1992 as a cadet officer. After 11 years of service, Nawose left the military in 2004 to pursue higher education, beginning with a bachelor’s degree in Education Arts from Moi University in 2007 and a master’s degree in Education in 2011.

Fueled by a deep desire to inspire others, he earned his first PhD in Education in France in 2018 and completed a second PhD in Religious Studies Education at Moi University in 2024. Nawose says his pursuit of a second doctorate was driven by the goal to serve as a role model and show others what’s possible despite adversity.

“I’m happy to be the first from my community to achieve two PhDs. I hope my story motivates others to follow in my footsteps,” Nawose said.

He credits his military experience for building the discipline and resilience needed to overcome challenges like poverty, lack of resources, and child labor. His wife, Rebecca, expressed immense pride in his achievements, saying she would support him even if he pursued a third PhD.

Now a celebrated academic, Nawose plans to use his expertise to uplift his community and promote education as a path to transformation.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION