Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has opened up about his humble beginnings and the early steps he took to support his family and develop entrepreneurial skills.

Speaking during a prize-giving ceremony on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Weithaga Boys, Nyoro shared how his childhood experiences shaped his determination and work ethic.

“Nimetoka familia kama zenu. This young man, wanakaa Kiandutu kule Thika. That is where my father used to live. My mother was a peasant farmer like many of our parents in the rural areas,” Nyoro said. He recalled that even as a young boy in class six, he noticed the struggles his family faced and felt the need to help.

“Na nikiwa class six nikaona hii story ya kwetu imezidi unga sana. Nikaanza kaduka. Kakaanguka, kwa sababu sikuwa nashika masomo. My father akasema bomoa shop, we kwanza soma,” he said. Despite the difficulties, Nyoro’s father emphasised education over work. By class eight, he was called to Kiaguthu School, which brought joy to his parents.

“Wazazi wangu wakafurahi sana nimeitwa shule mzuri. Lakini wakaenda page two kuangalia ile imeandikwa bidhaa ile umeitishwa shule; school fees, ile mambo ingine. Wakaona hii fees hatuwezi,” Nyoro recalled. With his family unable to afford school fees, he had to rely on resourcefulness and determination to continue his education.

Mother’s influence

His mother played a crucial role in ensuring that Ndindi and his sisters remained in school despite strict policies.

“My sisters used to be in Njumbi High School, that time it was mixed. Na kuna deputy alikuwa anaitwa Mr Muraya, the current principal Thika High School. Now that my mother alikuwa anaenda Jumbi sana, kuongea my sister wasifukuzwe ju ya karo, Principal alikuwa ata hataki kuona my mother… Principal akaona huyu ni wa story mingi, atakuwa anaona deputy. My mum sasa alikuwa anaona Mr Muraya,” he said.

“Mr Muraya akakuwa transferred, na akakuwa promoted. Akatolewa Jumbi, akapelewa shule inaitwa Kiambugi, siku hizi inaitwa St. Paul’s Boys’. Mzazi akasema wewe utaenda shule ambayo mwalimu anajua shida yetu.”

Entrepreneurship begins at school

Eventually, Nyoro was admitted to Kiambugi School, now known as St. Paul’s Boys, where he completed his KCSE exams.

“That is how I ended up going to Kiambugi, na nikasomea hapo up to four four. Na nataka nishukuru mungu kwa sababu, I’m the only student who transitioned to the university that year,” he said.

From an early age, Nyoro sought ways to earn money. His first ventures involved mending shoes for fellow students, which not only earned him income but also taught him responsibility and punctuality.

“So kwa sababu nilikuwa natamani nitape pesa ata mimi, from form one huko Kiambugi, nilikuwa nashonea watu viatu. So mimi nilikuwa naona kunataka kunyesha hivi naanza kufurahi. Kwa sababu kukinyesha viatu zinaaribika haraka,” he said.

Nyoro also ventured into school business, running the canteen and selling bread to students and clubs.

“Kutoka hapo nikaanza story ya kuuza canteen ya shule. Our canteen ilikuwa inauzwa na clubs. Each club ilikuwa inauza like one month kupata pesa za kuirun. Na sasa tulikuwa tunanunua mikate kama 40 ya club, na wewe unanunua kastock kidogo, sasa hako ni kako.”

“So mimi nikaingia club karibu zote na ndio nichaguliwe official. Ndio niweze kuuza mikate almost the whole year. Tukifunga shule naenda Thika kuuza mtumba.”