The National Democratic Institute country director Dickson Omondi on Tuesday revealed that he was once a watchman.
Speaking to the youths at Shadrack Kimalel Secondary School in Mbagathi, Kibera, the director used his story seeks to motivate youths not to despise small beginnings.
Omondi spoke during a youth mentorship workshop organised by the office of area MP Ken Okoth in partnership with NDI.
"I was born and brought up in Kibera. Together with your Member of Parliament, we were born in poverty. We kept on encouraging ourselves not to give up. We had one goal in mind – to be leaders one day and change Kibera,’’said Omondi.
"We completed our primary school and we were privileged to join good secondary schools. After form four, it was now time to start a hustle since you could not depend on parents again for pocket money," he said.
Omondi said he decided to be a watchman not because he liked the job but because he had no option.
"I walked to work everyday and those days the roads were not tarmacked. But I was clean. I could find a pool of water near my workplace then clean my shoes there," he added.
"My advice to you today is that you should not despise your humble beginnings. Always start low. With time, you will grow,’ he concluded.