Kirinyaga Graduate, Author of 14 Books Shares His Life Struggles: ‘I’m a Farmer Now’

• Peter Maina Wanjiru from Kirinyaga has overcome many challenges in life by maintaining a positive and hopeful attitude
• Maina, who achieved good results in primary and secondary school, dreamed of becoming a radio presenter, but encountered obstacles on the way to her dream career.
• Maina told TUKO.co.ke that he has so far authored 14 books across genres including motivational, creative and personal experiences

Peter Maina Wanjiru from South Ngariama in Kirinyaga County is a resilient man who has achieved a lot despite a difficult path in life.

I’m talking to TUKO.co.keMaina narrated his life journey, sharing how he had to postpone his studies due to financial constraints and completed his studies in 10 years.

“I left school after a year and came back after another 7 years. In fact, I completed my diploma in advertising and public relations after 10 years,” he said.

Peter Maina’s life and dropping out of school

Born in Thunguri village in Ndia District, Kirinyaga, he started his education at Thunguri Primary School, where he passed the Kenya Primary School Leaving Certificate examination in 1999 and became the best student with a score of 514 out of 700.

He later joined St. Boys’ School. Marys Boys School w Nieri He completed his secondary education and obtained a B average in 2003.

Wanting to fulfill his dream of becoming a radio presenter, in 2006, after two attempts, he joined the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication on a part-time basis.

However, he did not get a chance to study radio broadcasting, but was accepted for a diploma in advertising and public relations.

Unfortunately, he had to discontinue his studies after the first year because he was unable to pay the tuition fees.

Maina returned home to earn and save enough to go back to school, but it was not an easy journey.

“After the postponement, life became difficult; I returned to the countryside and was unemployed. I decided to intern at Kerugoya Kenya News Agency. That’s when I thought about writing a book,” he said.

The Kirinyaga man writes 14 books

He wrote his first book, Dreams Shattered by Poverty, in 2008 during his internship at Kerugoya, motivated by his current struggles.

According to him, the book was intended to inspire everyone whose dreams were destroyed just because they were poor.

“In 2008, I wrote a book based on my life experiences titled “Dreams Shattered by Poverty.” I thought how many people had to give up their dreams because of their humble origins,” he noted.

Maina has written 14 books so far in various genres, covering creative works and personal experiences

“Some of them are inspired by my personal experiences, like the one titled ‘How My Principal Touched My Life’, others are creative works, and others are particularly motivating stories,” he added.

While still at home, the author started selling his books in Kirinyaga County, visiting churches and schools to inspire people and earn some back-to-school money.

Back to school

Fortunately, he was able to raise funds and in January 2015, he returned to school determined to study and complete his degree.

He explained that despite his long absence from the facility, the management understood his situation and allowed him to return without restrictions.

However, life was still not easy, especially as a part-time student who did not have access to school facilities such as a dormitory.

He rented a house in the Fuata Nyayo slum in South B, where he had to face the difficult realities of life.

“My mother couldn’t support me through college because she had no money. Sometimes, when I was lucky, I only ate one meal a day,” he said.

Despite all these challenges, he completed school and graduated in 2016. He holds a diploma in advertising and public relations from the University of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. Kenya Institute of Mass Communication.

“In college, I was the best student and was awarded a trophy for achieving the highest academic standing,” he said.

Maina becomes a farmer

Due to the prevailing unemployment rate in Kenya, the author and public relations graduate has now taken up farming in his village.

He plants various plants, including: Muguka, pawpaw, corn, beansbananas, avocado and macadamia.

He also manages Thunguri Animal Farm Market – an online store where he sells goats.

“I am a farmer and I run an online market called Thunguri Animal Farm where I sell goats online.

The 39-year-old man is married to Irene Karimi, a primary school teacher, and they have two beautiful children.

A man from Kirinyaga is looking for help in taking his bride on her honeymoon

In a previous report by TUKO.co.keMaina sent a message online appeal to the general manager of Bonfire Adventures (CEO) Simon Kabu is sponsoring his honeymoon.

He said he had never been Mombasaadding that a trip to the seaside would be a dream come true.

Maina married his wife Irene Karimi on October 12, 2024 in a colorful ceremony at ACK Kirathimo Church.

Source: TUKO.co.ke