Unlike in the past, education has become a priority for most people who aspire to be successful in life today.
Decades ago, one did not need a university degree or diploma to make it in life, but with education now a requirement in modern society, many have embraced this path to increase their chances of success.
Nonetheless, a few Kenyans have beaten the odds and built successful lives despite not initially having a degree, with some obtaining one later.
Times Digital Kenya lists some famous Kenyans who have managed successful lives despite initially lacking a university degree.
Maina Kageni
Classic 105 radio host Maina Kageni, a prominent and veteran media personality in Kenya, is a good example of an individual who made it in life without a university degree.
In his youth, Kageni attended high school at Laiser Hill before traveling to the United Kingdom, where he was supposed to join a college. While in the UK, Maina Kageni failed to register for college and instead focused on working as a truck driver and a fish distributor for a Chinese firm.
His mother had given him money to pay for college, but he chose a different path. When the time for graduation came, his mother was shocked when his name did not appear on the graduation list. She warned him never to return to Nairobi, but later in life, Kageni went on to live a lavish lifestyle.
Maina Kageni is currently one of the best-paid journalists in Kenya. He leads a flamboyant lifestyle, drives sleek cars, and wines and dines with the who’s who of Kenya.
Njenga Karume
Former Kenya Defence Minister, the late Njenga Karume, is another example of someone who achieved success in life without a university degree, and without even attending secondary school.
Karume joined Kahuhoro Primary School at the age of 13 and completed it in 1949, aged 20. Although his marks qualified him for secondary school, he could not continue as his father could not afford the fees.
Six years later, he joined Jeans School (present-day Kenya Institute of Management), where he took a short course on business management.
In his youth, he engaged with influential political leaders, including Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Arap Moi.
He served in several ministries in Moi’s government, including Local Government, Urban Development, Energy, Lands and Settlement, and Cooperatives.
Beyond his leadership roles, Njenga Karume was a renowned businessman, with investments spanning almost all major economic sectors, including the Nairobi Securities Exchange, transport, agriculture, and hospitality. By the time of his death, he was among the wealthiest individuals in Kenya.
Mbusi
Popular reggae host Mbusi has become a household name in Kenya’s media industry over the past decade, with his show being one of the most listened to in the country.
A veteran now at Radio Jambo, Mbusi started his career at Ghetto Radio, where he worked as a messenger before rising to the role of radio host. His time at Ghetto Radio helped him land a lucrative deal at Radio Jambo, where he has been a key presenter for over 10 years.
He attended Eastleigh Airport Primary School before joining Maina Wanjigi High School for his secondary education.
Despite not having a university degree, Mbusi is now one of the best-paid radio hosts, with local news outlet Bizna Kenya reporting that he earns over Shs. 750,000 per month.
Bahati
Music star Kelvin Kioko, popularly known by his stage name Bahati, is one of Kenya’s most successful musicians despite not having a university degree.
He grew up in Mathare, where financial struggles made pursuing higher education difficult.
Although he missed the opportunity earlier, he went on to become a top artist and a successful businessman over the past decade.
In 2025, he took a surprising step by enrolling at East African University to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Business.
Khaligraph Jones
Brian Ouko Robert, better known as Khaligraph Jones, is another perfect example of a Kenyan who succeeded despite not having a university degree.
At one point, Khaligraph had to drop out of school but later returned to sit for his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). Although he managed to get a D+, he became the first in his family to complete secondary school, in what he described as “breaking generational curses.”
Despite not holding a university degree, Khaligraph is one of Kenya’s top rappers and has amassed significant wealth thanks to his talent and hard work. To further his education, Khaligraph Jones plans to return to school to study law in the near future.
