Impact Stories & Blogs

By John Michael Orimbo, Kenya, Cohort 10

My disability has not hindered me from making impact in the community. I was not born with any form of disability. However, at the age of seven, I started becoming frequently sick. Diagnosis done by some doctors showed that it was as a result of a wrong polio vaccine administered to me at a popular hospital in the country. It took me some time to adjust but I was determined to live a normal life and to date, I am proud of my achievements.

The Center’s experience is one of the best moments in my life as I was able to bond closely with everyone and build a strong network of friends. I was always mandated by my fellows to take the leadership mantle especially whenever critical thinking was needed. This always made me push beyond the limits and engage in servant leadership and until today, I still help my former YALI RLC EA colleagues as an advisor and mentor.

I am a Children Specialist in Education, Growth and Development. Until June, 2018, I served as a Public Policy Advisor for the British Council - Next Generation Kenya, a program that focuses on the aspirations dreams and frustrations of young people in regard to the youth employment status in Kenya. I am also a passionate Policy Advocate for PWDs, Global Youth Leader and Mentor, Environmentalist and SDGs Advocate.

I have vast experience with extensive engagements with the youth, children and PWDs over the years in numerous programs (UNEP, UNISDR, WWF-Kenya, British Council, YALI RLC EA, GOK MENR, UNMGCY, TUNZA, UNEP MGCY, National Youth Congress) among others within my community.

I am also gifted in the skill of drumming earning myself the nickname Johnny Drummer (JD). I am a professional drummer and I am able to earn from it while at the same time inspire other PWDs to believe in themselves and their skills which I like to call #LifeBeyondLimits (LBL).

I hold a Bachelor of Education (ECE) Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education programs from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. Currently unemployed, I am looking forward to landing a stable job where I can continue serving diligently and to provide for my family.

I have a vision that in 5 years, I will establish the first ever PWDs Empowerment Hub in Africa where I will focus on providing vital policy frameworks and dialogues, an enabling environment and safe space for growth and development towards the attainment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of "Leaving No One Behind".