Hadithi za KNOB Digital: ‘Age is just a number. It’s the passion, determination, and vision’, Mwangi Says.

Hadithi za KNOB Digital: ‘Age is just a number. It’s the passion, determination, and vision’, Mwangi Says.

Imagine a world where age is not a barrier to making a difference, where young leaders are not just the future but the present. Today we talk about Mwangi M. Ndegwa, a young and passionate leader who defied uncertainty and underestimation to empower himself and others through his role in MLIFE  Foundation. Follow along as we explore Mwangi’s journey through challenges, his transformative impact, and his unwavering belief in the potential of young leaders to create change right now.

Mwangi had always believed in the power of transformation through leadership and community service. Inspired by the values of the MLIFE  Foundation, a source of hope and empowerment in his community, he began a journey that tested him and molded the leader in him.

MLIFE an acronym for Mwangi Mukami Low Income Family Endowment, is a Faith-based non-profit organization whose mission is to cultivate and elevate historically excluded change-makers living on the margins through a purposeful and unique blend of spirituality with technology, education, and the arts. The foundation’s programs, such as LEAP (Learning Enrichment & Acceleration Program), MLOVE (Leaders of Openness, Virtue, and Empathy), RAPID (Relief Aid for People in Despair) Ecclesia, and Spaces of Grace, are designed to provide support to different demographic groups, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, sexuality, or background, finds a supportive community.

At KNOB DIGITAL we are inspired by Mwangi’s story and we are committed to supporting and empowering young leaders in our community. We believe that investing in the next generation of leaders is crucial for creating positive change and building a better future for all. By providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities for growth, we aim to help young leaders like Mwangi reach their full potential and make a lasting impact on the world. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where every voice is heard and every individual is empowered to make a difference. Let’s join forces and make our Impact felt not just for today, but for generations to come.

Starting as a volunteer, Mwangi’s journey in the foundation showcases a remarkable progression, from volunteering in research and data analysis to social media management and later on as a Program Director, ultimately becoming the Chair of the Executive Board of Kenya. His educational background at Pwani University, having pursued a BSc in Mathematics and majoring in Statistics, laid the groundwork for his contributions to the foundation, emphasizing the power of data, resilience to solving problems, and belief in community partnerships.

“Getting here was never easy,” he adds, “I dedicate long days, starting early in the morning and ending late at night, giving up weekends and holidays for this mission.” His commitment stemmed from a belief that young individuals should seize leadership opportunities instead of waiting for them, challenging the traditional view that leadership belongs only to the older generation.

On his journey, he encountered rejections and underestimation, yet, these challenges only steered his resolve, finding comfort in the success stories of transformation within the foundation’s MLOVE program—like the visually impaired fellow who was supported and was able to climb the ranks to become a lead manager in her institution, and the young entrepreneur who, inspired by MLOVE’s Entrepreneurship module, created a thriving business in Kericho County, employing five youths in his business. 

MLOVE program is designed for young leaders and encompasses Communication, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Fundraising modules. This program aims not just to cultivate skills but to ensure participants can translate these into tangible outcomes, such as creating jobs, finding employment, or pursuing studies. The program’s selective nature, taking only 15 individuals per cohort, highlights its focus on quality and impactful mentorship. 

As Mwangi steers his leadership journey, he has learned to confront and discuss the dismissive attitudes he encountered, advocating for a culture that respects and values the contributions of all its members. He challenges his peers to seize their leadership potential and not to wait for a distant tomorrow to take charge

“We are the leaders of now, not just tomorrow. Let’s make our impact felt.” Mwangi M. Ndegwa

In a world where youth are often underestimated and overlooked, Mwangi’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of young leadership. He demonstrates that age does not hinder making an impact in the world. Let’s reflect on his inspiring journey and be motivated to back and empower today’s young leaders; they are the only catalysts for a brighter future.

“Age is just a number. It’s the passion, determination, and vision that truly define a leader.” – Mwangi

This is Hadithi za KNOB Digital, For millenniums, humans have told stories to connect, relate and weave imaginative truths that enable us to see one another more clearly with compassion and courage, that is why, through this initiative we target to tell stories from a different point of view, your point of view, learning and understanding the struggles we take to get to the top, that needs to be heard, talk to us and Dont Stop Being Bold!