Seven years ago, I left the comfort and predictability of formal employment to pursue a vision: to serve Africa’s youth using my gifts, intellect, and love for football. Recently, a friend asked me ten questions that made me pause and reflect on the journey so far.

Here are my honest reflections — the triumphs, the lessons, the heartbreaks, and the hope that still carries me forward.

1. What has changed the most about you since you left employment?

I’ve become more confident in who I am. I feel deeply grounded in my purpose. I told myself I would serve Africa’s youth through football — and every day, I live that purpose. That said, I still experience moments (and seasons) of self-doubt. It’s part of the path.

2. Have you discovered anything surprising about yourself?

Not necessarily surprising — but sobering. I learned through an emotional intelligence program that I’m not naturally empathetic, and I’ve struggled to build relationships. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to grow in these areas.

3. What moments made you miss employment?

Let’s be honest: money. The financial uncertainty of entrepreneurship is real. There have been times when I genuinely missed the steady paycheck and the sense of stability it brought.

4. How do you define success now compared to 7 years ago?

Seven years ago, many saw me as “successful,” but I didn’t feel it. Today, I believe success is something you feel — not what people see. It’s not defined by milestones or titles but by how you live, what you give, and how aligned you are with your calling.

5. What’s been the most fulfilling aspect of what you do?

The relationships I’ve built — and the recognition that has come from staying true to my path. I’ve lost many relationships, even within my family, but I’ve also formed powerful bonds that have more than made up for those losses. And the international recognition for the work I do — rooted in youth and football in Africa — has been deeply affirming.

6. What’s been the toughest challenge you’ve faced?

Betrayal. A project I invited some friends into was taken from me and turned into something shallow. They even laughed about it. That pain cut deeper than heartbreak. But it gave me fire — and a reminder of why integrity and vision must always lead.

7. What are you proud of from 7 years ago?

The fact that I was already internationally exposed through my work with the UN and living in one of the world’s most international cities, Geneva, with access to most of Europe. That global lens gave me a foundation to think boldly and act with purpose.

8. What moment felt like a breakthrough?

There have been a few memorable moments:

• Receiving the Football Heroes Award in Russia in 2019
• Interviewing Arsène Wenger in 2022
• Meeting President Ruto last year

But honestly, none of these were true “breakthroughs.” They were meaningful, yes, and they opened doors. But the real breakthrough has been internal — a shift in how I see life, purpose, and leadership.

9. How have your relationships changed since leaving employment?

I’ve become more selective and intuitive. I can quickly sense when someone’s intentions are misaligned, and I’ve learned to protect my space. I now value depth over numbers — quality over proximity.

10. Where do you see yourself in the next 7 years?

Personally, I hope to be more settled.
Professionally, I see The Football Foundation for Africa operating on the same level as major global sports institutions.
And when that chapter comes to a close, I want to lead at a continental level — whether as the President of CAF, Sports Commissioner at the African Union, or Kenya’s Minister of Sports, or maybe just move into a quiet life running a sports and recreation facility – the FFA Centre.

Final Thoughts

This journey hasn’t been easy. But it’s been mine — raw, real, and richly rewarding in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

To those who have walked part of this journey with me — thank you. To those still to come — welcome.

We’re just getting started.