Kenyan Man, 25, Who Got Scholarship To Study In UK Shortlisted For Coveted Award

• Joseph Omae, a 25-year-old man from Kitale, is among the four individuals shortlisted for the 2023 Walter Scott Global Investment Management
• At just 25 years old, Omae is pursuing his Master's Degree in Investment Analysis in the UK under the Commonwealth Scholarship
• The award, known as the Walter Scott Global Investment Management Prize, is merit-based and recognizes outstanding students

A Kenyan man from Kitale studying in the United Kindom has been shortlisted for the 2023 Walter Scott Global Investment Management prestigious award in the United Kingdom.

Twenty-five-year-old Joseph Omae has been taking his Master's Degree in the United Kingdom under the Commonwealth Scholarship.

Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, Omae said the award recognises top students, and he is among the four finalists selected for the top prize.

The young man exuded confidence that he stands a chance of being the ultimate winner as his grades have been pretty good since he started studying at the University of Stirling, where he has been taking his Master's Degree in Investment Analysis.

"It's called Walter Scott Global Investment Management Prize, and you get selected for it as a top student. I have my chances, and I believe they are quite high because I know how high my grades are. It's purely merit-based. You get selected because of your results. I actually didn't know it existed, so it took me by surprise when I got the information," he said.

Landing Commonwealth scholarships

Omae landed the Commonwealth scholarship to pursue his Master's at just 24 years old.

"I got had five scholarships last year to choose from and opted for this particular one. The scholarship is supportive meaning everything is fully funded and we're primarily tasked to find solutions that will benefit our countries, continent and the global community," he explained.

Achieving high grades while studying at the University of Sterling has come at the cost of hard work and sacrifice, and luckily, he can finally see the fruits of his labour.

He described his experience in the UK as challenging as culture shocks, adapting to a new system, meeting new people, and even the weather characterised his stay in the European nation.

"While in a foreign country, it is very easy to miss people back at home every now and then. Almost everyone in your contact list starts asking for money. It is possible to end up feeling lonely," he added.

The brilliant analyst said he got distinctions in his courses and will graduate in the coming months.

Omae's career as an analyst

Before moving to the UK, he worked as an investment analyst after graduating from the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.

"I began as an intern, became an assistant analyst in three months, and one year later, I was an analyst. I worked for 1.5 years or thereabouts," he recalled.

Omae dedicates this experience and the shortlisting of the award to his mother and father whom he said have been his greatest supporters.

"I hope it wipes all your tears. Smile for once and be proud of the son you raised," he said.

Kenyan businesswoman wins prestigious award

In similar inspiring news, it was a bittersweet moment of triumph and sorrow for entrepreneur Kathy Andrews after being crowned as the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year at Afri-Glo Women's Choice Awards.

Being awarded one of the industry's most prestigious awards was a moment to revel in at a time most businesses are struggling.

Kathy's unwavering dedication to business and never-ending quest for success propelled her into a businesswoman of repute.