He gave up chalk for a stick shift

Japheth Langat drives a caterpillar after he was awarded a certificate in heavy machinery operation at Nyakio Plant Operators and Driving School graduation ceremony in Thika over the weekend. The Bachelor of Education degree holder resigned from his job as a secondary school teacher to learn how to drive a bulldozer driver saying that was where his passion was. (PHOTO: KAMAU MAICHUHIE/ STANDARD)

When Japheth Langat, from Bomet County, tendered his resignation as a secondary school teacher in December 2013, his family was shocked and disappointed.

His decision to leave a job that thousands were angling for was one they could not comprehend especially after it emerged that he intended to train as a heavy machinery driver.