From the Muddy Roads of Ugunja to the Halls of Daystar University: A Journey of Faith, Resilience, and Triumph

Photo Credit: Daystar Production Unit

By Victoria Mumbi

[10th March 2026] - Ms. Bellardonner Elizabeth Achieng, a 23 year old girl from Ugunja, Siaya County, has lived a life marked by struggle, faith, and determination.

The oldest daughter in a family of four, Elizabeth was raised by her great-grandmother,  a single mother, who earned a living by hair plaiting, since her mother could not afford rent.

Her early education was fraught with challenges. The school was far from home, and during the rainy season, the murram roads became so muddy that reaching was nearly impossible. By Class seven, she faced rejection from classmates who mocked her background, saying she lived in a homestead without a gate or proper house. These remarks weighed heavily on her, disturbing her focus and affecting her exam performance.

Games time offered her solace.  Initially choosing to watch others play, Elizabeth eventually joined handball, determined to prove herself. With persistence, she mastered the sport, turning adversity to strength.

When she sat her KCPE exams, Elizabeth surprised herself by, surpassing her mother’s target of 250 to score 272 marks. This achievement earned her admission to St. Anne’s Sega Girls High School, where her handball talent secured her a full scholarship. Despite relatives discouraging her mother, claiming no one in their family had ever gone beyond primary school, Elizabeth pressed on.

In high school, she worked diligently, excelled in both academics and sports. She even appeared on the East Africa Secondary School list through her team, proving that discipline, patience, and faith in God can open doors.

After completing Form Four, Elizabeth scored a grade C - (minus) in KCSE. Though not the grade she had hoped for, it was still a victory. Some relatives dismissed her future, but she refused to surrender. She helped her mother at the salon while saving money to travel to Nairobi, determined to change her family’s situation. Rumors spread with some claiming she fell pregnant and got married, but she remained focused on her purpose.

In Nairobi, she continued training in handball and was eventually introduced to the Nairobi Water Company, one of the country’s top women’s teams. Later, she proudly represented Kenya in the Under‑20 games, using her earnings to support her sisters’ education and family needs.

Her dream, however, was always education. Although one Kenyan private university required her to bridge Mathematics for admission, she lacked the funds to join. Discouraged, she nearly gave up until a friend connected her to Daystar University’s coach. Initially, she thought Daystar University was only for the rich, but after passing trials, she was admitted. Her mother rejoiced at the news.

Life at Daystar University has not been easy. Elizabeth has often lacked fees and gone hungry. However, the Financial Aid office has regularly come in handy to ensure she remains in school despite the financial struggles. For her upkeep, Coach Martin Kamau became her anchor, supporting her with money for food and transport. Her mother and uncle also did what they could  to offer encouragement and assistance whenever possible.

This year, Elizabeth will complete her two-year Diploma in in Communication (Electronic media) at Daystar University. Looking back to the muddy roads of Ugunja from her achievement , she acknowledges that it has been God’s doing.

She persevered the obstacles of unpaid fees, hunger, discouragement through prayer, discipline, and determination to emerge victorious. This victory however is not her’s alone; it belongs to her mother, her sisters, her coach, her uncle, and Daystar University.

In September, Elizabeth plans to begin her degree course. She knows it will demand sacrifice, hard work, and faith, but she is ready. She has faith that the God who carried her this far will see her through the next phase of her academic journey.

Elizabeth’s story is living proof that background does not define destiny. Challenges do not dictate the end. With faith in God, patience, and resilience, everything is possible. From a small village girl with big dreams, she now stands as a Diploma finalist, preparing for her next academic chapter. And who knows? The end of who she will become is not even in sight!