Written by Philip Evayo.
Ever since he was a child, Philip Evayo dreamed of becoming a lawyer. Now, he is one. We profiled Philip’s journey with CFK Africa in our 2021 Annual Report! We are thrilled to share this update on his journey as a CFK Africa alumnus and transformation into a community leader in his own words below.
“My name is Philip, born and raised in Makina, Kibera. Growing up in a place where opportunities were scarce, I knew early on that education was my best shot at creating a different future for me and my family.
My dream wasn’t just about getting a degree, it was about breaking barriers. It was my way out, my way forward.
I started my academic journey at Olympic Primary School, where I scored high marks in my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exams. That got me into Dagoretti High School, but financial constraints nearly derailed my education before it even began. Determined to find a way to continue to secondary school, I applied for scholarships and secured one through CFK Africa’s scholarship program, a moment that changed everything. With my fees covered, I could finally focus on my studies, and when KCSE exam results came in, I had earned a B+ with high school complete and ready to take the next step.
From a young age, I had a deep interest in law, not just as a career, but as a means to drive real change where I come from and beyond. I have witnessed injustices in my community, from sexual and gender-based violence to the struggles of those who couldn’t afford legal representation. I wanted to be part of the solution. My passion for justice and community change led me to study law at Jomo Kenyatta University for Agriculture and Technology.
University, however, was an entirely different and new challenge. My brother, who had been supporting me, left to pursue his own medical studies and I had to find a way to fend for myself. That meant balancing construction work three days a week with classes twice a week, often managing only 50% attendance. I kept pushing forward despite these challenges – I studied late into the night, showed up for exams, and kept earning an income to support myself. Eventually, I graduated, and today, I stand as a certified lawyer; a milestone that once felt out of reach.
Beyond academics, giving back to my community has always been part of my journey. Thanks to CFK Africa, I grew as a leader through the leadership program, which shaped my vision for a better Kibera. I took part in civic education initiatives, teaching my community about the importance of education and a clean environment. One of my proudest moments was leading the cleanup of Makina Market – once a dumping ground, now transformed into a functional space where traders and shoppers can move freely and park their vehicles.
Now, as a lawyer, I remain committed to using my skills to fight for justice, empower my community, and mentor the next generation of youth. I’ve also been working with the team at CFK Africa to build an alumni network, a structure that connects former scholars and other beneficiaries, helping them find job opportunities, mentorship, and ways to give back.
My journey is far from over, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: where you start does not define where you will end up. With resilience, opportunity, and the right support, anyone can rewrite their story.”
