Wilberforce Kidavi

From humble beginnings in Bugerani Village to leading Westridge Foundation - A journey of resilience, education, and community transformation

My Story

A journey from rural village life to educational leadership

Rural Village Life

Born 39 years ago in Bugerani Village, Bugina Sub-location, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges of deep-rooted poverty and neglect. Bugerani remains one of the most underserved villages in our region — with no school nearby, the closest being 6 to 7 kilometers away. There is no hospital within reach, the nearest health facility sitting 11 kilometers away.

Our village survives on small-scale farming, mostly maize and beans, barely enough to feed families. The average land size per extended family is less than half an acre.

Access to education and employment is almost nonexistent. Fewer than 2% of the entire population have successfully completed school. Less than 1% have formal employment in either government or the private sector. We have no piped water, no roads, and just a few scattered kiosks.

Yet, faith is strong. Over 95% of the population are devout Christians, holding firmly to the belief that their suffering is Godly, a path to the kingdom of heaven. The village echoes with the sound of religious drums, hymns, and tongues — a testimony to churches like The Holy Spirit, Lyahuka Church, Divine Church, and Msalaba. Worship days often outnumber working days.

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be among the 2% who completed school, and part of the 1% who are formally employed.

Rural Village Life

Bugerani Village Statistics

<2%
Completed Education
<1%
Formal Employment
11km
To Nearest Hospital
95%
Christian Population

Educational Journey

The path from walking barefoot to university graduation

2000s

Kivuye Primary School

Walked 6-7 kilometers barefoot daily, often arriving by 6:00 a.m. and leaving after sunset. The foundation of my educational journey despite the challenges.

2000s

Kaimosi Boys High School

Attended as a boarding student but frequently sent home due to unpaid fees. Fees were often paid through maize and beans delivered by wheelbarrow over 20 kilometers by my parents and late cousin Eliud.

2000s

University of Nairobi

Pursued Bachelor of Education in Geography and Kiswahili. Took six years instead of four due to working casual jobs to pay fees. Juggled studies with work as a watchman, car washer, and salesperson.

2010s

Professional Development

Advanced training at Strathmore University and Riara University. Became versed in international curricula including Cambridge system, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Accelerated Christian Education (ACE).

Professional Career

Teaching, leadership, and educational transformation

Teaching & Leadership Roles

  • Baraka School, Kapsabet - Teacher
  • St. John's School, Westlands - Deputy Principal
  • Furaha Community Foundation - Headteacher
  • St. Michael's Secondary School, South B - Teacher
  • Kinderville Leader in Me School - Quality Assurance and Standards Officer
  • Millbrook International School - School Principal

Specializations & Expertise

  • International Curriculum Development
  • Educational Policy Implementation
  • Teacher Training & Development
  • School Administration & Management
  • Community Engagement & Development
  • Educational Quality Assurance

Awards and Recognition

Celebrating excellence in education and leadership

2019

Best Principal in Mathare Sub County

Recognized as the best principal in Mathare sub county for outstanding leadership, innovative teaching methods, and significant educational contributions that improved student outcomes.

2022

Best Educational Policy Maker in Nairobi

Recognized for innovative educational policy development and implementation that transformed learning experiences and improved educational standards across Nairobi schools.

2020

Community Leadership Award

Awarded for exceptional contributions to community development through educational initiatives and infrastructure projects in underserved regions.

Community Impact

Transforming Bugerani Village and beyond

Community Water Project

Key Contributions to Bugerani Community:

Despite my professional journey, I have never forgotten my roots in Bugerani Village. My commitment to community development has manifested in several initiatives:

  • Constructed a water spring providing clean water to over 500 villagers
  • Supported small-scale vegetable farming for improved food security
  • Contributed to local church development through fundraising and donations (Kivuye PAG, Bugerani PAG, Eliva PAG, Lyahuka Church, Divine Church, Holy Spirit Church)
  • Initiated educational scholarship program for village children
  • Organized community health awareness campaigns
  • Facilitated agricultural training programs for sustainable farming

My Vision

My biggest dream remains: To open doors of education in my community. I want our children to grow up in a community where education is not a privilege but a right — where hope replaces despair, and opportunity replaces struggle.

Through the Westridge Foundation, we are working to make this vision a reality by building educational facilities, providing scholarships, and creating sustainable community development programs that empower the next generation.

Support Our Mission