Steve Ogolla: Success in Legal Field Despite Sitting KCSE Three Times
Steve Ogolla is a highly respected and successful lawyer in Kenya, known for his excellence and achievements in the legal field.
However, what many people do not know is that Steve had to sit for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) three times before he was able to get into university to study for a Bachelor of Law.
Steve was born and raised in a small village in Siaya County, Kenya, and was the second-last born in a family of nine children.
Despite financial difficulties, his mother worked hard to ensure that her children received an education, and Steve was determined to make the most of the opportunity.
After scoring well in his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Examinations, Steve was admitted to St Mary’s School Yala in 1997.
However, due to financial difficulties, he had to leave after completing Form One and moved to Kibera in Nairobi to live with his brother and study from home.
He then returned to school in 2000 and was admitted to Form Three at a different institution.
In 2001, Steve sat for KCSE for the first time and scored a B- of 59 points, which was a few points shy of the Grade B Plain cutoff for admission to public universities at the time.
Unable to join a public university under the government-sponsored program, Steve opted to seek menial jobs in the city.
Determined to pursue his university education, Steve returned to high school in 2002 and enrolled for his second attempt at KCSE.
This time, he scored a B Plain of 65 points, but the cutoff points were raised from 64 to 66, and he missed it again, this time by a mark.
Despite these setbacks, Steve was inspired to return to school after meeting former classmates who were doing well after going to university.
In 2005, he sat for KCSE for the third time and scored a straight A, which marked the beginning of his journey to becoming a great lawyer.
Steve’s journey to becoming a top legal mind in Kenya was not an easy one. He had to work part-time to pay for his fees, which made it difficult for him to concentrate on his studies, and he struggled with some of the legal concepts.
However, he remained determined and focused on his goals, spending countless hours in the library reading and researching and seeking help from his lecturers whenever he was stuck.
After completing his law degree, Steve underwent training at the Kenya School of Law and worked as an associate at a law firm in Nairobi for several years.
He then used the knowledge and experience he gained to establish his law firm, Steve Ogolla & Associates, which has since become one of the top legal firms in Kenya.
Despite his success, Steve has not forgotten his humble beginnings and is actively involved in philanthropic work, particularly in the education sector, where he supports disadvantaged students to access education.
He also mentors young people, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, and encourages them to pursue their dreams regardless of the challenges they may face.
Steve Ogolla: Success in Legal Field Despite Sitting KCSE Three Times
