Techie Returns to Inspire Girls at Moi Girls Marsabit

A former student of Moi Girls High School Marsabit has returned to her alma mater as a successful engineer, using her story of resilience to inspire the next generation of girls to pursue careers in science and technology.

Iladho Galgallo walked back through the school gates in mid-February not as a student, but as a mentor and professional determined to show young learners that their circumstances do not define their future.

Raised in North Horr, Marsabit County, Iladho grew up in a pastoralist community where educating girls was often viewed as unnecessary. Her pursuit of education came with numerous challenges, including long journeys to school and frequent interruptions due to lack of school fees.

She recalls that travelling to school was often an exhausting ordeal.

“Travelling to Moi Girls High School used to take me two days on a lorry because the road is very rough. While in school, I also faced many challenges, including lack of school fees. I was chased out of school many times. Sometimes I missed classes for a week, sometimes two days,” she said.

Despite these hardships, Iladho remained determined to achieve her dream of becoming an engineer. In her class, she was among only four students who chose to study physics.

After completing her secondary education, she pursued a diploma in Telecommunications at the Kenya Polytechnic, now the Technical University of Kenya. Her professional journey began modestly with a job that paid KSh5,000 per month before she secured a role with Safaricom contractor Masaba Services, where she worked for three years earning KSh15,000 monthly.

During this period, Iladho met Lillian Kiambati, Safaricom’s Head of Service Management and a member of the company’s Women in Technology programme. Kiambati became a mentor and played a key role in guiding her career growth.

With continued mentorship and determination, Iladho eventually secured a position at Safaricom, where she now works as Manager for Cloud Solutions.

Her visit to Moi Girls Marsabit formed part of Safaricom’s Women in Technology mentorship programme, an initiative designed to encourage more girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“I’m here to tell them that if I made it through all those challenges, they can also make it,” Iladho told the students.

Safaricom leaders who accompanied her echoed the importance of mentorship and early encouragement for girls in underserved regions.

James Langat, Head of Regional Network Implementation and Operations at Safaricom, emphasised the need to reach students who may not have access to the same opportunities as those in urban areas and urged them to build strong academic foundations.

Kiambati encouraged the girls to stay focused on their studies and draw inspiration from women who have successfully pursued careers in technology.

“It is possible to become a successful woman techie or engineer because now we are breaking stereotypes. Science and physics are not difficult. Because we have done it, you should also make it,” she said.

The visit highlighted the power of mentorship and representation, showing students that with determination and support, it is possible to overcome obstacles and build successful careers in technology.