Dreams, they say, are vivid excerpts from the soul’s ongoing narrative. My childhood in the village fostered a keen curiosity and consistent academic excellence that culminated in my enrollment at the local academy. To my delight, I consistently topped my class. At that juncture, Loise Makena’s ambition was clear: to be the top student in the village and secure a place in a prestigious national school by 2006. Indeed, I achieved my goal, surpassing 400 marks in my examinations. For the first time, a cherished dream materialized. Soon after, the coveted admission letter from Kenya High School arrived, filling me with elation—a dream realized! The adage, “If you can dream it, you can do it,“ resonated deeply within me. Despite my family’s limited means, which unfortunately prevented my enrollment at Kenya High School, the initial dream of academic success had come to fruition.
Navigating New Horizons and Reclaiming Excellence
My acceptance into Bishop Gatimu Girls High School in Nyeri County, then the leading provincial institution, marked a significant transition. Hailing from a rural background, I experienced considerable culture shock, further accentuated by my strong Meru accent. The bright village girl—Loise Makena—found herself amidst equally bright peers from urban centers. Initially, integrating and confidently expressing myself proved challenging due to my accent, and consequently, I did not achieve top academic standing in my first term. It became clear that I needed to regain my academic prowess. By the second term, I gradually found my footing, and my performance showed marked improvement. I concluded the third term among the top 15 students out of the hundreds enrolled. “Stay determined, Stay unbeatable,” became my mantra.
In Form Two, Loise Makena surged back into the top three academically across the entire student block, reclaiming the top position in the class. My best subjects? Not the regular humanities, but rather Mathematics, Chemistry, and Geography, where I consistently achieved A grades. My aspiration was to become a civil engineer. The prospect of designing and implementing large-scale infrastructure projects served as my driving force. Excelling academically and harboring ambitious dreams, I secured a place in the geospatial engineering program within the civil engineering department at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. As they say, nothing materializes without an initial dream.
Nestled in Juja, a sub-county within Kiambu County, lies the esteemed Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, a leading institution in engineering and technology in Kenya. September 2011 marked a pivotal moment in Loise Makena’s life when I gained admission to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Geomatics Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems. For a girl raised in a village, the proximity to the city was exhilarating. The orientation week was a mega week, and coming from the village, I embraced the opportunity to navigate the campus and its surroundings.
Seated in the bustling student hall, brimming with ambition and anticipation, I watched the student leaders take the stage. It was then that a spark ignited within me—a desire to become part of the student leadership. A dream took root: to dream boldly. During my third year, Loise Makena had the privilege of serving as the departmental head for Geomatics and Geospatial Information Engineering Sciences. Progressing into my fourth year, I was elected to the student council, holding the position of Catering and Accommodation Secretary until graduation. Indeed, one might say that the future belongs to those who possess faith in the beauty of their aspirations. I believed, and consequently, I achieved.
If you can dream it, you can do it
Loise Makena
The human experience is defined by choices, often presenting us with different forms of ‘hardship.’ Whether it’s the ‘hard’ of discomfort and growth or the ‘hard’ of stagnation, the path to progress lies in cultivating a state of comfort within the challenges we face. My inherent drive, which I perceive as determined focus rather than mere aggression, fuels my pursuit of aspirations with a consistently positive outlook.
During my undergraduate studies in Geomatics and Geospatial Engineering, an attachment program in the third year was a requirement. My initial placement at the esteemed office of the late Surveyor Kapanga proved to be a pivotal experience, firmly anchoring my aspirations of becoming a leading geospatial engineer. As an attaché, Loise Makena diligently applied herself, quickly developing a strong understanding of the field’s techniques. Fueled by my ambition to excel, I returned to the same firm after graduation, dedicating an additional two years to honing my expertise.
Recognizing the imperative of continuous development in our rapidly evolving technological landscape, Loise Makena has proactively expanded her skill set beyond her academic foundation. My proficiency includes certifications and practical experience in a range of industry-standard software, such as ArcGIS Pro, ERDAS Imagine, Microsoft Office Suite, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Agisoft Metashape, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operations.
As Abraham Lincoln wisely noted, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” This ethos underscores my commitment to excellence through lifelong learning. Ultimately, our potential is not solely defined by our current knowledge but by our unwavering willingness to learn and adapt, keeping the dream alive through continuous evolution.
Driven by a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, Loise Makena enrolled in a Master of Arts program in Environmental Law at the esteemed University of Nairobi. This decision stems from a recognition of the increasingly critical role that legal and regulatory frameworks play within the field of geospatial engineering.
While seemingly distinct, a legal education offers significant advantages for geospatial engineers. Our profession operates at the confluence of numerous sectors, including natural resources, forestry, agriculture, mining, the blue economy, geology, urban planning, and environmental management. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of the relevant laws and policies, particularly those pertaining to land, is not merely beneficial but essential for effective practice and leadership within these interconnected domains. This pursuit of knowledge represents a vital step in realizing my professional aspirations.
It’s fantastic that Loise Makena is focused on continuous growth! Building upon my existing skills and knowledge, I consider equipping myself with the following to further enhance my professional journey:
I rightly emphasize the critical role of social capital, and the quotes I shared beautifully illustrate its essence. Indeed, the philosophy of “farming, not hunting” in networking underscores the importance of nurturing genuine connections over time. The adage “Your network is your net worth” speaks volumes about the tangible value derived from strong relationships.
Paul Coelho’s wisdom reminds us that the journey toward realizing our aspirations involves continuous learning and refinement. Networking serves as a powerful catalyst in this process, providing the support system necessary to unlock opportunities, gain referrals, and foster productive working relationships. My point is well-taken: our capacity to learn and our willingness to connect are fundamental drivers of success. By strategically investing in both my individual capabilities and my professional network, I will be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of my field and achieve my goals.
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