Meet Jairus Mahasi, a dedicated nursing student at Kenyatta University. His journey is one of growth, discovery, and unwavering commitment to care. When Jairus first walked into the hospital ward for his clinical placement, he had a general idea of what nursing entailed, but nothing could have prepared him for the depth of the experience ahead.
His nursing clinical placement has profoundly reshaped his understanding of the profession. Jairus came to realize that nursing isn’t just about performing technical procedures or recording vitals; it’s about being compassionate in moments of fear, resilient under pressure, and a strong advocate for patients during their most vulnerable times.
“Through my rotations at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital (Medical and Surgical) and Ruiru Level 5 (Maternal Child Health and Labour), I have experienced firsthand how essential nurses are in delivering holistic patient care. These environments helped me see just how important collaboration within healthcare teams is and how much of an impact one nurse can make,” he explains.
The journey, of course, came with its challenges. One of the most difficult aspects for Jairus was coping with emotionally intense moments, especially when caring for critically ill patients or experiencing loss. “At first, the emotional weight was difficult to carry. But I found my footing through mentorship from senior nurses, moments of prayer, and personal reflection. Time management also proved to be a hurdle, but with early planning and better organization, I adapted quickly,” he says.
One particular experience stood out and reaffirmed his decision to pursue nursing. He was tasked with assessing a mother and her newborn shortly after delivery. With great care, Jairus conducted a full postnatal assessment, monitoring vital signs, ensuring proper uterine contraction, and identifying the need for specific follow-up care. His supervisor commended him for his thoroughness and attention to detail. “In that moment, I felt proud knowing that my growing skills were directly contributing to positive health outcomes,” he excitedly shares.
He also acquired practical skills he hadn’t expected to learn so early in his training. One notable example was performing a contraceptive implant insertion for a family planning client. Though he had only learned the theory in class, Jairus was able to carry out the procedure under supervision. The success boosted his confidence and revealed just how broad and impactful nursing can be, especially in reproductive health services.
His journey wouldn’t have been possible without Moja Tu. He joined the organization shortly after completing his KCPE exams, unsure of his future due to financial struggles. Thanks to the intervention of his head teacher and Moja Tu’s selection process, he was given the opportunity of a lifetime.
Since then, Moja Tu has supported him in every way imaginable. They have covered his school fees, provided academic materials, and ensured his basic needs were met even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they delivered supplies to his family. The mentorship and relationship with his sponsor gave him not only hope but also a strong sense of belonging and motivation.
That support has helped shape his bigger vision. He doesn’t just want to be a nurse; he aims to specialize in critical care nursing, pursue a Master’s degree, and pass the NCLEX exam. His goal is to gain global experience and eventually shift into public health and policy, where he hopes to influence healthcare systems. In the long term, he dreams of founding the Jairus Mahasi Foundation, a platform to empower young people just as Moja Tu empowered him.
To younger students in the Moja Tu program who aspire to become nurses, he urges them to believe in themselves, stay disciplined, and never underestimate the value of hard work. Nursing, he says, is demanding but deeply fulfilling. He encourages them to embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, serve, and make the most of the support Moja Tu provides. For Jairus, that support has been the foundation of his success, and he believes it can be the same for others.
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You can be the reason a student dares to dream, succeeds in school, and transforms their future. Sponsorship with Moja Tu is more than financial support—it’s a meaningful relationship that empowers, uplifts, and inspires. Sponsor a student today and change a life, one connection at a time. Get started by emailing us at info@mojatu.org or visiting www.mojatu.org.