The life journey of Ms. Purity Nkatha, a graduate of the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). Her story is one of hardship, courage, and unwavering determination. It is shared to inspire individuals who are navigating difficult personal or academic circumstances, and to demonstrate that persistence, faith, and community support can turn even the most challenging situations into life-changing victories.
- Childhood Hardships and the Emergence of a Dream
Ms. Nkatha’s early life was marked by significant socioeconomic hardship. Growing up, she faced instability that most children never imagine. There were periods where she lacked the basic comfort and security of a place to call home. Such conditions could easily discourage long-term aspirations, yet within her, a quiet but persistent dream continued to live. From a young age, she was drawn to the world of healthcare, inspired by the idea of one day serving people through compassion and professional skill.
Despite the odds stacked against her, this dream endured. Life forced her to put her ambitions on hold for many years as she navigated adulthood, responsibility, and survival. However, the desire to transform her life and pursue a meaningful career never faded.
At the age of 32, she made a bold and life-defining decision—to return to school and sit for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. This step required courage, discipline, and the humility to start over among much younger learners. Her success in the examinations affirmed an important truth: academic progress is not bound by age, and it is never too late to begin again. This milestone marked the true beginning of her transformative journey.
- The Life-Altering Diagnosis: Confronting Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
While her academic momentum was building and her confidence was rising, Ms. Nkatha encountered an unexpected and life-changing challenge. She was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disorder known for its unpredictable nature and potentially debilitating symptoms.
The diagnosis introduced a new dimension of struggle: one that involved physical pain, emotional distress, and constant uncertainty about her health. She endured frequent hospital admissions and long periods of incapacitation. There were moments when she was too weak to stand, let alone attend classes or complete assignments. Many days, she moved directly from hospital wards to examination rooms, still in pain, still fatigued, yet resolved to continue.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, she refused to abandon her academic pursuits. Her ability to pass her exams during this period—and pass them well—was a profound demonstration of her internal strength and resilience. The diagnosis did not break her spirit; instead, it reshaped her determination and gave deeper meaning to her journey.
- The Sacrifice of Motherhood and the Rebirth of Hope at KMTC
One of the most significant sacrifices Ms. Nkatha made was leaving behind her four-year-old daughter in order to pursue the nursing education that would ultimately secure a brighter future for both of them. This decision weighed heavily on her heart, yet she understood that meaningful progress sometimes requires painful choices.
When she joined KMTC, she encountered an environment that reignited her hope. The institution provided not only professional training but also emotional support. She found a community that believed in her potential and encouraged her despite the visible effects of her illness. Lecturers, classmates, and staff members extended empathy and reassurance during moments when her body felt like it could no longer carry her forward.
This support system played a central role in stabilizing her emotionally and giving her renewed confidence in her ability to succeed. The sense of belonging she experienced at KMTC became a crucial anchor that allowed her to endure the storms brought about by her health challenges.
- Academic Struggles, Financial Burdens, and the Power of Community Support
Nursing school presents inherent academic demands, but for Ms. Nkatha, the experience was even more challenging due to her chronic illness. Managing intense coursework, long clinical hours, and hospital visits required a level of discipline and endurance that went far beyond the ordinary expectations of a student.
Additionally, the financial burden of her medical care placed immense strain on her and her family. Treatments for SLE are costly, and in many cases, long-term. The expenses quickly surpassed what her family could afford, creating moments where continuing her education seemed impossible.
However, in the midst of these challenges, Ms. Nkatha experienced a remarkable outpouring of support. Friends, classmates, well-wishers, and compassionate individuals extended financial assistance, emotional encouragement, and practical help. Their generosity helped sustain her treatment, kept her in school, and strengthened her resolve to keep moving forward.
This collective support not only enabled her to complete her studies but also reinforced the value of community, compassion, and solidarity. Her success is as much a testament to her resilience as it is to the power of people coming together to uplift one another.
- Completion, Gratitude, and the Significance of Her Achievement
Today, Ms. Nkatha stands proudly as a graduate of KMTC—a dream that once felt distant and nearly unattainable. Her accomplishment represents far more than the completion of an academic program. It symbolizes victory over hardship, defiance against illness, and the fulfillment of a long-held promise to herself and her child.
Her story is shared in gratitude: to honour her journey, to acknowledge everyone who supported her, and to remind others that adversity does not signal the end of possibility. She speaks to adults returning to school, parents starting over, and students silently battling chronic illness, reminding them that their dreams remain valid and their stories are still unfolding.
If her testimony inspires even one person to keep going—to take the first step, or the next step—then her purpose in sharing it will be fulfilled.
