At 22, Mwenda could easily pass for a student

By Ally Jamah

It is difficult to tell him from students milling around the University of Nairobi, Main Campus, but his sharp attire and self-assured manners attract second glances.

He is Mwenda Mwiria, 23, perhaps the youngest university lecturer in recent years.

He teaches journalism at the university and interestingly, most of his students are much older than him.

He started the job in October last year, when he was only 22.

But many students at the varsity have no idea he is a lecturer, save for those who attend his classes.

Mwenda Mwiria during the interview at the University of Nairobi. Photo: Boniface Okendo/Standard

Incidentally, Mwenda is the son of educationist Kilemi Mwiria, the MP for Tigania West and Assistant Minister for Higher Education.

"I love teaching because it gives me a chance to learn new things every day. It is enjoyable. I am surprised someone is paying me for this," he chuckles during this interview on Wednesday.

First days in class

The lecturer in TV and Radio Production course for undergraduate students admits he was nervous in the first days of his career.

"The first time I entered a class to lecture, most of the students thought I was the son of one of their lecturers. They were surprised to learn I was a new lecturer," he recalls, adding that, "I was keen to have the students take me seriously."

"I wore tough suits and grave looks to project the right image. But after they got used to me, I could afford to relax a bit," he reveals, smiling.

Though he has been doing the job for months now, Mwenda says he is yet to get used to the ‘mwalimu’ title from his students.

"I still find it difficulty to take the title. Probably it has not really sunk in to me that I am a teacher. I guess I would get used to it in due time," he explains.

And Mwenda is now pursuing his doctorate studies and he could be teaching Masters students as well.

College life

Mwenda is quick to confirm that he did not just land in his position, by accidentally.

He studied in one of the best universities of the world – Columbia University in New York, which is ranked as the sixth best globally and best in journalism studies.

"In Columbia, I found myself in the same class with award-winning and experienced journalists. Our professors were accomplished in the media industry. They would push us to achieve our best," he explains without a hint of bravado.

He says he was surprised to make it among the 11 of thousands who successfully applied for the Masters course.

For his undergraduate degree, the youthful lecturer studied Political Science in Purdue University in the US, where he graduated with honours at age 21.

He says his teaching style is also unique. He does not just read out notes for students to scribble down in passivity, instead he approaches it as a conversational exchange.

"I prefer having interactive classes in which there is a free exchange of ideas between the students and the teacher. Teachers are not all-knowing," he adds.

He says when he applied to teach at the university though his papers were strong he still doubted whether he would manage a class. He, however, gained confidence a few weeks in class, he adds.

On whether his choices are influenced by his father, who was once a lecturer at Kenyatta University, Mwenda admits, saying the influence could be "at a subconscious level".

About oolitics

Though he avoided comments on whether he also plans to follow his father’s footsteps in politics, Mwenda says having more youth in politics was good for the country.

Mwenda once served as the President of the African Students Association in Columbia.

Asked why he did not settle for a job in the US, Mwenda says he opted to return home to make his contribution in nation building.

"I believe in giving back to my country and to contribute the little I have to improve it. Kenya has been good to me and it is my duty to give something back," he explains.

Asked if he is attracting longing glances from women in campus, Mwenda chuckles, but refuses to be drawn into an answer.