Charles Thuo: From Borrowed Bank Statement to US Trucking Business

In 2010, Charles Thuo made a pivotal decision to leave Kenya in pursuit of higher education and new opportunities in the United States.

This journey, filled with both rewards and challenges, began after Thuo completed his first year at Kenyatta University, where he cultivated a desire to explore possibilities in the West, specifically in civil engineering aimed at enhancing Kenya's infrastructure. To facilitate his transition, Thuo borrowed a bank statement from a family friend who had successfully navigated the educational landscape in the US.

Armed with his impressive Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results, he approached the US Embassy in Nairobi to secure a student visa. Thuo's commitment to his education and aspirations proved successful, as he received his visa and had a mere two weeks to prepare for his move and the upcoming academic semester.

Upon arriving in the US, Thuo faced a profound cultural adjustment. He encountered a fast-paced, 24-hour economy starkly different from the communal lifestyle of his home country. The scarcity of familiar Kenyan foods and the nature of social interactions posed additional challenges, complicating his acclimatization to this new environment.

Thuo's initial employment involved working long hours in a warehouse while attending classes from 3 pm to 9 pm, followed by night shifts from 10 pm to 4 am. This gruelling schedule, allowing only a few hours of sleep each night, hindered his ability to maintain a balanced social life thus resulting in a sense of isolation.

With limited opportunities to socialize outside of holidays and special events due to his continuous work obligations, Thuo navigated the complexities of life as a student and employee simultaneously. Despite the myriad opportunities the US has to offer, Thuo emphasizes the significant sacrifices involved, particularly the repercussions on his social life.

As time passed, he transitioned through various job positions before ultimately shifting his focus from engineering to establishing a trucking business.