My names are Nicole Everlyne Oyugi. I’m aged 19 years old and am a Luo, living with my uncle in Sarangombe Ward of Kibera division in Lang’ata district.

I went to school upcountry in Siaya district. My father passed on when I was still young and life became very difficult for my mother and my other siblings. Being a single parent had its implications on my mother. She had to work on people’s farms in order to pay school fees for my brother and I.

When I finished primary school I couldn’t go to high school because my mom couldn’t afford the school fees and she didn’t have the money to pay for my school books and the school uniform. So, I went to the coast to stay with my elder brother. I talked to him and he agreed to pay for my high school education.

I went back upcountry and joined form one, thanks to my elder brother’s effort. But when I was in form three my elder brother died after a short illness. That was a big blow for me because I had only one year left to clear high school. I was very fortunate because my extended family came together and opted to pay for my last year in school, and hence, I was able to clear my 0 levels.

When I came to Nairobi to stay with my uncle I opted for soccer as a sport in order to better my life and to keep active. I always loved soccer, ever since I was in school, and would like to continue with soccer as a profession.