DERRICK OMOLLO

Derrick is an early career conservation scientist based in Kenya. He is affiliated to the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), in Oceanography and Hydrography. Derrick is passionate about using nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change. He serves in the Leadership of the Western Indian Ocean Early Career Scientists Network. His mission is to promote WIO-ECSN programmes in Kenya by encouraging youth involvement in Marine science and blue economy innovation.

“Embrace change and develop adaptability”

Q: Tell us a few things about you! Your background, your childhood and early beginnings!

I was born in Nairobi in 1994, into a humble family. My parents, an electrician and a tailor, worked hard to provide us with a decent education. During my early years, I attended pre-primary and lower primary school in Nairobi before moving to Eldoret and Kakamega for my mid-primary and high school education. 

At the age of 10, my parents separated, which brought significant changes to my family dynamic. Despite the challenges, I persevered and focused on my studies, determined to create a better future for myself and my family. I found solace in my education and used it as a means to overcome the difficulties I faced.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

• Poverty and Inequality: Kenya faces significant economic disparities, with a large percentage of the population living below the poverty line. There is a significant gap between the rich and the poor, leading to social and economic inequalities.

• Unemployment: High levels of unemployment, particularly among the youth, remain a pressing issue. Limited job opportunities, inadequate skills matching and a rapidly growing population contribute to this challenge.

• Corruption: Corruption is a pervasive issue in Kenyan society, affecting various sectors, including politics, public administration, and business. It undermines development efforts, erodes public trust and hampers economic growth.

• Education: While efforts have been made to improve access to education, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms and a lack of quality education in some areas persist. Access to higher education and relevant vocational training also remains limited for many.

• Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare services is a challenge, particularly in rural areas. Limited infrastructure, inadequate medical supplies and a shortage of healthcare professionals hinder the delivery of proper healthcare to all Kenyan citizens.

• Tribalism and Ethnic Tensions: Kenya's diverse ethnic makeup sometimes leads to tribalism and ethnic tensions, which can result in social divisions, conflicts and political instability.

• Infrastructure: Insufficient infrastructure, including roads, electricity and water supply, poses challenges to economic development and the well-being of the population, especially in rural areas.

Q: Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them?

Financial challenges, unemployment, discrimination. I was able to overcome these challenges by employing the following strategies:

• Through persistence and resilience: I developed a resilient mindset. I always strive to maintain a positive attitude, staying determined and persisting in the face of challenges.

• Seeking Support: I tried to reach out to friends, family and professionals for support.

• Self-Care: Taking care of my physical and mental well-being through engaging in activities that promote relaxation, managing stress effectively and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

I envisage to receive guidance and support, knowledge and skill development, networking and connections, building confidence, personal and professional development, role modeling, accountability and motivation.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share?  

Embrace Change and Adaptability: Life is full of changes and uncertainties and one of the most important lessons is to embrace change and develop adaptability. Change is inevitable and our ability to adapt to new circumstances and challenges is crucial for personal growth and success.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives! 

M-KOPA Solar: M-KOPA Solar is a social enterprise that provides affordable and clean energy solutions to off-grid households in Kenya. Through their pay-as-you-go model, they have enabled thousands of households to access solar power, improving their quality of life and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?

• Gender-Based Violence: Women in Kenya experience high levels of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault and harmful cultural practices like female genital mutilation. These issues undermine women's safety, health and overall well- being.

• Limited Access to Education: Although progress has been made, barriers to education persist for girls in Kenya. Factors such as early marriage, poverty, cultural norms and inadequate infrastructure contribute to lower enrollment and completion rates for girls compared to boys.

• Economic Empowerment: Women in Kenya often face limited access to economic opportunities, including formal employment, entrepreneurship and financial resources. This lack of economic empowerment hampers their ability to achieve financial independence and decision-making power.

• Political Underrepresentation: Women are underrepresented in political leadership positions in Kenya, both at the national and local levels. Limited political participation and representation hinder the inclusion of women's perspectives and needs in decision-making processes.

• Land and Property Rights: Women in Kenya face challenges in accessing and owning land and property. Discriminatory laws, cultural norms and limited awareness of legal rights often prevent women from owning or inheriting land, making them vulnerable to displacement and economic insecurity. 

Efforts are being made in Kenya to promote gender equality and address these challenges. Some notable initiatives include:

• Legal Reforms: Kenya has made legal advancements, such as the enactment of the 2010 Constitution, which guarantees gender equality and provides protection against gender-based violence. Additionally, laws have been passed to address issues like female genital mutilation and domestic violence.

• Gender Mainstreaming: The Kenyan government and various organisations are working to mainstream gender considerations across sectors. This includes integrating gender perspectives into policies, programs and budget allocations to promote equal opportunities and rights for women.

• Women's Empowerment Programmes: Numerous organisations in Kenya focus on women's empowerment, providing vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and financial services to enhance women's economic opportunities and leadership skills.

• Awareness and Advocacy: Civil society organisations and women's rights groups are actively engaged in raising awareness about gender issues, advocating for policy changes and challenging harmful cultural practices through campaigns, workshops and community outreach.

• Education Initiatives: Efforts are being made to address gender disparities in education through initiatives like providing scholarships, building schools and implementing programmes that support girls' education and create safe learning environments.

Q: Share with us a motto you live by.

"Small steps lead to big achievements."

Q: If you had all the money needed to launch the project of your dreams, can you describe what you would do?

Environmental Sustainability: Recognising the importance of environmental conservation, I would allocate resources to promote sustainable practices and environmental awareness. This could involve initiatives such as tree planting campaigns, renewable energy projects and education programmes to promote environmental stewardship.