James* learnt that he would be a father while he was in his third year at Egerton University, a moment where he recalls feeling a great amount of shock.

He admits that the few subsequent months after discovering the pregnancy were tough emotionally and financially.

His parents were receptive of the news. However, the girl’s parents weren’t as receptive. It took six months for the girlfriend's parents to come around.

“I was 23 years old at the time and had not planned to be a father that young. But I had to accept that things had changed and I needed to step up,” he says.

He describes the journey of fatherhood as one that cannot be taken alone.

His parents' support, he says, has seen him through both his girlfriend's pregnancy period and the upbringing of his son.

"I was there for my son's birth. It was an emotional experience that made me appreciate mothers in general," he adds.

His parents offered him both financial and emotional support which he is extremely grateful for since at the time he was just a mere student with no job.

Now four years old, James counts his son as the ingredient he needed to propel in life.

The birth of his son inspired him to start a grocery delivery business, which is currently operational not only in Nakuru, but also in Nairobi and Mombasa.

James shares that through fatherhood he has learnt a lot of patience, sacrifice and most importantly how to put his child's needs before his own.

When asked by Mtaa Wangu to describe the journey of fatherhood, he sums it up as “a life changing, eye opening and selfless journey.”

Read: Drug addiction robbed me of a relationship with my children

To the young fathers, James* encourages them to try their best to stay in school while providing for their new family.

“Try your best to be present in your child's life and do not quit school. Seeing your child grow will be the best reward you could ever ask for," he adds.

Mtaa Wangu wishes James and all the fathers a happy Father’s day!

diligenceodongo@gmail.com

Getting my son in campus inspired me to start a grocery business

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Diligence Odongo