“Do it scared. Do it sad. Do it happy. Just do it!”
These words echo the unwavering determination that has defined Grace Otuya’s academic journey.
In the dynamic world of higher education, scholarships are much more than financial aid; they are gateways to personal and academic transformation. For countless students, receiving a scholarship signifies academic achievement and a chance to reshape their futures profoundly.
For Grace Oyuta, the journey began with an academic trip to the Czech Republic where she was inspired by the country’s rich historical architecture and welcoming atmosphere. Drawn to this new environment, Grace embraced the opportunity and applied for a scholarship, and fortunately, she got it. This scholarship is more than a stepping stone for Grace—it represents a new chapter in her research in IT and a bold adventure 5,000 miles from home.
Grace took a moment away from the chaos of resettlement to recount her journey at Strathmore University and the dawn of a new one.
Let’s start, can you tell me a bit about yourself and your academic journey?
My name is Grace Otuya. I am 26 years old. I would say my love for computers started when I was seven and my dad got this computer with Windows XP. Since then I have been fascinated with how computers work. That is why I got into IT.
I’m completing my master’s programme in Science In Information System Security(MSc ISS) at @iLabAfrica, Strathmore University.
Studying at Strathmore is an excellent experience, what I like most about that course is the mode of study. Studying online is very efficient and convenient because I had to move to Kisumu in the middle of the programme.
What influenced your decision to apply for a scholarship in the Czech Republic?
I got an opportunity to come to the Czech Republic for a summer school/academic trip through an @iLabAfrica programme that I enrolled in last year. The trip to the Czech Republic was eye-opening and I liked the way Czech University Taught, its environment, and the friendliness to students. That’s why I decided to apply for a scholarship and luckily I got it. Moving to the Czech Republic feels like a fresh start for me. It feels equal parts scary and fun.
What specific Master’s program will you be pursuing?
I’ll be pursuing a Master of Science in Information Technology. Given my background in computer science and my ongoing master’s in Information Security at Strathmore, I want to broaden my expertise and merge IT with information security.
What are some of the challenges you faced during your masters at @iLabAfrica?
At the beginning of my first year of study, I was staying in Nairobi therefore the commute was not a challenge, I didn’t know that halfway through the study, I would have to move to Kisumu for work. I got employed as an ICT technician at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) college. The distance was not something I had factored in but I was grateful that I could still study online, in the long run, it was worthwhile. Apart from being in Kisumu for the better part of this year and a bit of last year having to travel for exams and to see my supervisor was a bit taxing especially when it came to scheduling work and having to travel, I did not face any major challenges.
I’m also grateful that I can complete my final exams halfway across the world without any hiccups thanks to the partnership between @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University and Brno University.
Can you describe your research thesis?
My research thesis is on using blockchain technology to combat counterfeit fertilizers in Kenya. It will focus on Trans-Nzoia and Uasin Gishu counties which are key maize-growing regions. These areas consume large amounts of fertilizer, and recently, there were allegations of counterfeit products circulating in the market. I haven’t defended the thesis yet, but I believe this research could have a significant impact.
How have your professors and faculty members impacted your educational experience?
I owe a lot to Dr. Sevilla, the Director at @iLabAfrica, who has been my supervisor and provided invaluable guidance while developing my research proposal. Dr. Vitalis Gavole Ozianyi also offered critical feedback during the proposal phase. One unit I particularly enjoyed was Digital Forensics, taught by faculty from the University of Technology, and I have to give credit to Dr. Bright Gameli, whose teachings reshaped the way I approach information security.
As your journey in Strathmore concludes, is there something you’d have done differently if you had the chance?
Not really, I would do everything the same way because I believe those experiences are what made me so there’s no particular thing I’d change about my journey or my experience.
As you look ahead. Are there any lessons you learned from your first program to apply in the future?
I’ve learned to be self-reliant, especially with the online program. It forced me to manage my schedule, stay disciplined, and focus without needing to be in a physical classroom. That’s a skill I’ll carry with me into the future.
Where do you envision yourself three years from now?
I want to finish this program and enroll in a PhD program in IT. I think that is what I have envisioned three years from now.
What message would you give your younger self on your first day of undergrad?
I would tell myself on my first day as an undergrad is to do it! Do it scared! Do it sad!, Do it happy! Just do it! And I would tell my younger self not to worry that everything will work out for the best, or the better.
Have you encountered any cultural surprises since arriving in the Czech Republic?
The biggest cultural difference here is how well the public transportation system works! If you get on a bus at 10 am, you know the arrival time is 10:55 am. Every public transportation works. That’s the difference.
I also noticed that while the food is similar, there’s no ugali,of course, I did carry two kilograms of UNGA to remind me of home for a little while.
Language is another challenge—many people speak Czech, and most signs are in Czech too. But the good thing is my program is in English, and I plan to take Czech classes at the university.
What advice would you give students at Strathmore?
I would encourage them to take full advantage of the academic trips and exchange programs. You never know where they might lead—my trip last year brought me here.
Grace’s journey embodies Bill Bradley’s insight that “Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.” Her steadfast determination is evident in her relentless commuting from Kisumu to Nairobi, balancing a job with her Master of Science in Information Systems Security, and now, navigating the monumental transition to a new continent. Grace’s persistence has truly been the driving force behind her remarkable achievements and her move to the Czech Republic.
The Master of Science in Information Systems Security course provides students like Grace with a competitive edge specializing in Digital Forensics, network security, and software security with bi-annual intakes in September and May.
Written by: Ajuna Lindah