Speaking to Success Afrika media outlet, Nelly Cheboi highlighted the struggles in Kenya before she relocated to the United States after getting a scholarship to study computer science.
Nelly who hails from Mogotio, a village known for cybercrimes, decided to be different from her peers. After attending Mary Hills and scoring a plain grade A, she was lucky to be awarded a scholarship to study Computer Science at Augustana College, Illinois in the United States.
After securing the Scholarship, Nelly neither had a passport, visa or air ticket. She relied on well-wishers for help since she was from a humble background.
Through the help of her Member of Parliament who happened to hear about her challenges in getting a passport, she was lucky to get a passport in two days.
“I got a scholarship to study in America; I was supposed to report in two weeks. I didn’t even have a passport. I returned to the streets, mimi ni Nelly, nilienda Maryhill girls, nilipata A, nimepata scholarship ya America na sina hata passport. The MP heard about it, he made plans, and I got a passport in two days”
After getting the passport, Nelly Cheboi was supposed to get a Visa to travel to the United States in two weeks time but she did not have money to pay for the air ticket. Nelly went to the streets to ask for help so that she can pay for her air ticket.
Nelly was lucky to meet Former Prime Minister, Rt Raila Odinga, who gave her Ksh 300,000 to pay for her air ticket to the United States.
After completing her Computer Science Studies, Nelly opted to give back to her society by founding TechLit Africa organization which she uses to build computer labs in rural areas in Kenya.
Since 2018, Nelly has built computer labs in 10 schools that serve more than 4000 students equipping them with digital skills.
