This archive report was first published on 18 November 2021.
It's a story of perseverance and determination that has inspired many. Erick Muriuki, a lawyer, was admitted to study Bachelor of Law at the University of Nairobi in 2013, but his progress was being threatened by a huge debt of Ksh134,000 he owed Alliance High School since sitting his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2011.
Despite the odds against him, Muriuki refused to give up on his dream. He packed his belongings and traveled to Nairobi to see the school's Principal Gideon Kariuki, explaining his case and how he was from a family that couldn't afford to clear the fees and get him the certificate.
Principal Kariuki, understanding Muriuki's situation, reached a compromise with him and offered him a letter from the institution explaining why he could not access the crucial documents yet. This letter would be enough to get Muriuki to University as he was a government-sponsored student.
After graduating from the University of Nairobi in 2017, Muriuki dived into the political world before securing employment in the county with a salary of Ksh38,000. He saved a substantial enough amount to enable him to pay his debt of 134K to Alliance High School.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Muriuki noted that running his own law firm was a dream born from his childhood. Immediately after receiving their KCSE results, Muriuki and a friend, Levis Muchui, challenged themselves to open a company.
After graduating from the University of Nairobi, however, Muriuki had to set aside a year in order to raise school fees. Muchui, however, proceeded to Kenya Law School (KSL) immediately. During his stint at the County Government of Meru, the lawyer raised Ksh195,000 requisite school fees for KSL.
When Muriuki was at KSL, he and Muchui revived their plan to open the law firm. They drafted the business Model, and in July 2021, Muriuki partnered with Muchi and Julie Atieno Ogolla to open Muchui, Muriuki & Atieno Advocates LLP.
