I joined the University of Nairobi in 1987 for a degree in Sociolgy. It took three years complete a degree courses then. I loved Sociology, and it found a soft spot in me, but I disliked the unit on Industrialization and Urbanization.
My best unit was Sociology of the Family, taught by Prof Fillister Onyango, who was my best lecturer. She had a way with words.
I worked part time as a social worker at Shanzu Teachers college during holidays, they would pay me Sh300 neatly wrapped in a brown envelope.
A part from rigorous academics- campus then was a bastion of knowledge... I was a member of judo and karate where I rose to the level of bagging a green belt.
In fact there was a time I left parents and students in shock. Donned in white karate regalia, I popped in the air and descended with a flying blow on three bricks set up before tearing through them. My mum asked, “Eh, huyo alikua wewe kweli?” (Was that really you?).
But folks never feared me just because I could throw kicks. I had a soft and appealing face.
When not busy I could occasionally attend rhumba sessions at Carnivore in Nairobi to dance to rhumba Odembe - tailored by Franco of TPOK Jazz, Tabuley and Dr Nico Kasanda.
My most interesting time was when my best friend, the joy of my life approached me, while still a humble second year. I somehow gave in to all he said. He later turned to be my husband. We walked along avenues before he took me under a tree shade and spoke his heart.
Dr Agnes Zani earned a B.A. in sociology, University of Nairobi, 1990. Attained an M.A. in sociology (UoN, 1994) and an Msc. and PhD in sociology (Oxford University, 2004- 2007).
