Mathew Karungu, 29 has gone miles ahead to prove his point right that disability is not inability. His mantle to achieve in life despite being physically challenged is taking him places writes Henry Onyango.
When Mathew Karungu Wamuyu was born 29 years ago many from his family probably watched in disbelief little did they knew that a real genius was in the making.
Karungu has been a true blessing to the family and his mother Ms Wangari Kamuyu and his sister Gathoni Kamuyu have been his true inspirations.
“I thank God for our family, they have always been there for me," says delighted Karungu
He was diagnosed of Cerebral palsy (CP) soon after he had been born since then his life has tremendously changed despite the anomaly.
The soft speaking Karungu-a bachelor in Entrepreneurship and small Business management graduate at the TACEL college an affiliate of DALC Education Trust in Nairobi says that he is always motivated by his loving and caring family.
He joined the institution for a standard diploma in Business management then later advanced diploma in the same institution and successfully enrolled for his degree in 2011.
He says that his life has changed for the better after he joined the college in 2007 and is expecting to achieve more in future with the institution.
Mr. Karungu says that he managed to get into the college through the assistance of Ms Eva Nabutunyi Nyoike who was then taking care of him at the Acorn special Tutorials that later closed down over unclear circumstances.
“When my instructor at Kestrel Manor along General Mathenge Road in Nairobi left I had to look for an immediate alternative and Ms Nyoike came to my rescue,”says Karungu
Nyoike wrote to DALC founder Prof Humphrey Oborah requesting for Karongo’s admission into the college.
To his surprise Prof Oborah and the DALC team interviewed him and his brilliance made him secure the coveted chance that would later model him to a better Kenyan.
When contacted, Prof.Oborah described Karungu as superb and hardworking despite being physically challenged since he uses two clutches to assist him in walking.
‘Karongo’s brilliance is the reason why we are proud of him. Despite walking in clutches he is even better than some normal students” said Prof. Oborah.
Karungu has been appointed by the Business school of Costa Rica to write a thesis to be considered for a credit transfer in his bachelor’s degree.
Karongo’s array of success was even manifested when he landed a lucrative internship offer at the Communications Commissions of Kenya (CCK) for three months while in his third year of study.
His hard work and tolerance at the statutory body nearly forced them to retain him but again he had to go back to college to pursue his studies.
At the CCK he was earning Ksh 21000 a month amongst other offers and allowances and they recommended him as hardworking and persistent.
He however says that he cannot go for the offer right now since he needs to be self independence before requesting for it even though he is now done with his degree and is awaiting graduation.
He has enrolled for an occupational Therapy at Adams Arcade Green house suite 8 where he attends three times a week in order to achieve body fitness and to start using a single clutch to assist him in walking.
His lead instructor and owner of the premises Catherine Simtoh Mppayei says that they are expecting him to use a single clutch after three months since he is responding well to their services.
Some other instructors that assist him are Alex Sintiyo and Fred Musyoka.
Cerebral Palsy is a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills (the ability to move in a coordinated and purposeful way.
CP is usually caused by brain damage that occurs before or during a child's birth, or during the first 3 to 5 years of a child's life.
The brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy can also lead to other health issues, including vision, hearing, and speech problems, and learning disabilities.
Medical experts consistent research on the cure of CP have been unsuccessful, but treatment, therapy, special equipment, and, in some cases, surgery can help a child who is living with the condition.
The exact causes of most cases of CP are unknown, but many are the result of problems during pregnancy in which the brain is either damaged or doesn't develop normally.
This can be due to infections, maternal health problems, a genetic disorder, or something else that interferes with normal brain development. Problems during labor and delivery can cause CP in some cases. But this is the exception.