Many employees stick with secure, steady jobs, even if they dislike them. The need to pay bills, a lack of better opportunities, and a harsh economy have made it nearly impossible for many Kenyans to pursue their dream careers.
Ezekiel Kiago, an entrepreneur and psychologist, has worked in many jobs he did not have a passion for. The 47-year-old spent a significant part of his adult life juggling multiple professions—most financially fulfilling but emotionally unfulfilling.
As a child, Kiago aspired to be an entrepreneur. However, this enthusiasm faded when he took a job as a tutor at an elementary school to finance his university education. When he finally joined the university, he realised that his chosen discipline did not offer an entrepreneurship course.
He later worked in book sales—an industry he had little passion for—before moving to a fibre optic company that offered better pay.
“You go to work without much excitement, and eventually, you start using distractions, like alcohol, to numb the frustration,” he says.
Within three years, Kiago climbed the corporate ladder, reaching a top management position. Despite a reliable income, he felt stuck in a job that did not align with his interests.
He began to question his life’s purpose and struggled with sleepless nights, wondering if life offered more than just making money.
Reconnecting with old friends who had pursued their dreams gave him the push he needed to make a change.
“My friends put me on the spot, asking, ‘You always talked about starting a business—so why are you still in this job?’” he says.
Six months before his contract ended, he set up his own company. With an investor’s backing, Kiago launched SME Kenya, a tech firm that created content services for Safaricom’s mobile platform. The business thrived, and he made his first million by the age of 34.
Today, Kiago is a successful entrepreneur, running multiple companies, including Charisma Logistics and Charisma Resource. He is also a counselling psychologist, helping others navigate their challenges.
“When you’re doing what you love, it’s like a fish in water. You don’t even think about it; it’s natural,” he says.
Ezekiel Kiago during an interview at his Offices in Kikuyu, Kiambu County on March 4, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
For Kiago, following his passion has been life-changing, bringing financial success and personal fulfilment.
Balancing passion with a stable job
Some employees mix their passion with their main job, hoping that their passion will one day become their primary source of income.
Frankincense Okwemba was never sure about his career path as a child. Some days, he dreamt of becoming a pilot, other days, a chef.
When he told his father he wanted to be a chef, his father dismissed it and suggested he pursue a degree in information technology. He followed his father’s advice and graduated with a degree in information security in 2023.
“But I’ve always loved cooking, which makes it hard for me to remain in the IT field,” says the 25-year-old.
“To balance both interests, I took a short course in cooking last year. Although it was demanding, it reignited my love for food.”
When he landed an IT job, the good salary initially motivated him. However, he soon started feeling discontented.
“The work wasn’t difficult, but it just didn’t feel right. I’d wake up feeling exhausted before the day even began,” he says.
“Sometimes, it feels like I’m stuck, but I remind myself that growth isn’t linear. There’s a stage where it feels like nothing is happening, but that’s the part of the journey where real change occurs.”
Visualising his dreams helps him stay motivated. “When I imagine where I want to be, it pushes me to keep moving forward, even when things get tough. For now, I’m keeping my IT career for financial stability, but once my passion for cooking can sustain me, I’ll make the switch.”
Frankincense Okwemba during an interview at Nation Centre in Nairobi on February 13, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
Juggling jobs for stability
Irene Chemo studied business management with a specialisation in human resource (HR) management. However, she had always dreamed of becoming a journalist.
“After university, I settled for HR as a career option, but I quickly realised it neither fulfilled me nor provided adequate financial compensation,” she says.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Chemo sought a side hustle to supplement her income.
“I started driving for Uber in my free time,” she says. “Eventually, I transitioned to doing Uber full-time because the office job was overwhelming.”
As an Uber driver, she frequently met passengers looking for accommodation, sparking the idea to open an Airbnb. “I started with one house, and from there, I expanded,” says Chemo.
Although she initially felt disappointed that her career had not followed her intended path, she found that her HR training helped her manage clients and understand their needs—an essential skill in the Airbnb business.
“Sometimes, it felt like I had failed, but university taught me discipline and critical thinking,” says the 28-year-old mother of two.
“We don’t always get what we want immediately, but that doesn’t mean we should give up. Everyone has their own journey, and persistence eventually pays off.”
Expert advice: Navigating career transitions
Lillian Ngala, a career coach and HR director at Diamond Trust Bank, stresses the importance of passion in one’s career.
“Your career should reflect who you are and what you’re truly passionate about,” she says. “It’s not about following a set path—your career should align with your goals and interests. Too often, people are pushed into unsuitable careers due to parental, societal, or financial pressures. But true fulfilment and success come when your career matches what excites you.”
For those feeling stuck in their current jobs, she advises persistence.
“Sometimes, you are just one step away from the breakthrough you need. I believe in the power of ‘one more’—one more attempt, one more application, one more effort. Persistence often paves the way for success.”
HR Director at Diamond Trust Bank and the founder and career expert at Lillian Ngala Foundation Lillian Ngala during an interview at Nation Centre building in Nairobi on March 3, 2025.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
She also encourages adaptability.
“The job market is constantly evolving, and the more versatile you are, the better your chances of seizing new opportunities. It’s no longer enough to focus on just one career path. Continuous learning and acquiring new skills keep you competitive.”
For those looking to transition into new careers, she suggests leveraging online resources.
“Platforms like LinkedIn offer free and low-cost courses that can help you gain new skills. Education doesn’t always have to be expensive.”
According to Ngala, success in any job requires a mindset she calls “PEACE”:
Positive possibilities—always seek out growth opportunities.
Embrace the moment—make the best of your current situation.
Acceptance—recognise where you are and find peace in it.
Consistency—stay dedicated and keep putting in effort.
Engage—connect with your surroundings and the people around you.
“By embodying PEACE,” she says, “individuals can navigate challenges, enhance their mental well-being, and achieve career satisfaction.”
