- Hope Wanjiku recently took her academic journey from Kiambu county to Yale University, earning top honours in the process
- The 17-year-old told TUKO.co.ke that even when opportunities felt limited, she learned that showing up every day and doing her best mattered
- What began as a love for reading and writing grew into a powerful voice that earned her recognition among the world’s top young scholars
At just 17 years old, Hope Wanjiku’s academic journey already reads like a testament to resilience, discipline and the quiet power of believing in one’s voice.
Source: UGC
Raised in Kiambu county, where she spent most of her childhood and completed her early education, Hope’s story is one of steady growth shaped by determination rather than privilege.
Wanjiku’s humble beginnings
Wanjiku told TUKO.co.ke that before joining Brookhurst International School, she attended several schools within Kiambu.
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Those formative years, she says, instilled in her discipline, adaptability and a deep respect for education.
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Moving between schools was not always easy, but it taught her consistency and resilience, qualities that would later define her success on the global academic stage.
“Even when opportunities felt limited, I learned that showing up every day and doing my best mattered,” she reflects.
From a young age, Hope developed a love for reading and writing. Writing, in particular, became her refuge, a safe space where she could explore ideas, ask questions and make sense of the world around her.
What was Wanjiku’s turning point
Long before she encountered formal debating, classroom discussions, essays and presentations helped her build confidence and sharpen her critical thinking.
These early experiences laid the foundation for a strong, thoughtful voice that would eventually be heard far beyond her home county.
A major turning point came when she joined Brookhurst International School. The international learning environment exposed her to new perspectives and opportunities she had never imagined.
It was here that she discovered the World Scholars Competition (WSC), a global programme that brings together students from around the world to engage in academic writing, structured debate and creative thinking on broad global issues.
Central to the programme is GALE, the Global Academic Leadership Experience, which focuses on leadership discussions, academic dialogue and collaborative learning.
Source: UGC
Wanjiku’s entry into World Scholars Competition
Wanjiku first participated in the World Scholars Competition in 2024 at the Nairobi Round. Competing at an international level for the first time was both thrilling and intimidating.
However, advancing to the Global Round in Bangkok affirmed that she belonged in global academic spaces.
Although she qualified for the prestigious Tournament of Champions at Yale University that year, she was unable to attend as she was a candidate at the time.
“It was disappointing,” she admits, “but it taught me patience, resilience and the importance of delayed gratification.”
Rather than discouraging her, the setback strengthened her resolve. In 2025, Hope returned to the competition with renewed confidence and determination.
She emerged victorious at the Nairobi Round once again and advanced to the Malaysia Global Round, where competing alongside some of the brightest young scholars from across the world pushed her to grow even further.
Wanjiku competes in the US
Winning again was not just an academic achievement, it was a powerful affirmation of her belief in herself.
Qualifying for the Tournament of Champions at Yale University in the United States proved to be an emotional milestone.
For Wanjiku, standing on the historic campus symbolised the culmination of years of effort, discipline and perseverance that began in the classrooms of Kiambu County.
Competing among the world’s top scholars, she earned a Gold Medal, placing among the top 30 gold medallists globally, with an overall ranking of approximately 30th to 31st.
Source: UGC
Lessons Wanjiku learned from Yale
Her journey, from local schools in Kiambu to one of the world’s most renowned universities, has profoundly shaped her sense of confidence, leadership and resilience.
Through international competition, global dialogue and exposure to diverse ideas, Wanjiku discovered the true power of her voice and a deepened passion for writing and debate.
“These experiences showed me the kind of academic environment I aspire to be part of,” she says. “One where ideas matter, voices are valued, and global perspectives come together.”
As she looks to the future, Wanjiku’s story stands as an inspiring reminder that with consistency, courage and a love for learning, a young voice from anywhere can resonate on the world stage.
West Pokot woman wins Bowerman Award
In another story of Kenyans shining abroad, Doris Lemngole recently became the first student from the University of Alabama and the first Kenyan to win the prestigious Bowerman Award.
Lemngole was raised in the rugged West Pokot but had a dream and relentless determination to conquer the world stage.
Her dream came to pass when she made history in the University of Alabama’s athletics programme, redefining what is possible for Kenyans in the diaspora.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
