This archive report was first published on 24 July 2021.
Joshua Kimkung: 12-Year-Old Climber Inspires Kenyans ¶
Joshua Kimkung, a 12-year-old pupil from Lang'ata West Primary School, made headlines in 2019 after climbing Mt. Kenya in a record 10 hours and 53 minutes when he was only ten years old.
Kimkung's incredible feat was achieved in just under 11 hours, a feat that would ordinarily take many several days to accomplish. Climbing Mt. Kenya typically takes about 3 to 5 days on average, with most people camping to rest within a span of few days to reach the Peak of Mt. Kenya, Lenana Peak.
Kimkung's first hike was in June 2018 when he summited Le Satima, a 4001m above sea level peak in the Aberdare Range, at the age of nine.
He is set to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru, and Mt. Kenya from March 24 to April 16, 2022, to raise money to help his school buy a school bus. Kimkung's school, Lang'ata West Primary School, has many pupils who live far from the school, making it hard for them to get to school.
"In my school, many pupils live far from the school and it is hard for them to get to school. I want to raise money for my school to buy a school bus," noted the inspiring 12-year-old in an interview.
Kimkung's achievements have inspired many, especially those who are enthusiastic about mountain-climbing, while challenging many to engage in meaningful enterprises while enjoying their hobbies. His exploits have wowed Kenyans, including world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge.
"In life, the first thing is to be self-disciplined, Kimkung also love your studies. Set your priorities right, learn to say no in a positive way and make self-discipline your lifestyle. That is what will transform you and make you a better person in the future," Kipchoge told Joshua in a word of advise.
