Jeremiah Rogito: My passion for agriculture, firmness in religion and a PhD at 28

Pursuing agriculture as a career is a decision Jeremiah Rogito made in his early years of education.

Born and bred in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, an area deemed Kenya’s food basket, Rogito was exposed to the intricacies of farming from a young age.

“My parents were highly involved in farming, which birthed my burning interest in agriculture. As early as I was in primary, which was in Trans Nzoia County, I knew agriculture was my thing,” he told the Star in an interview.

He says this early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for agriculture and its potential to transform lives.

“In my primary and secondary school life, I was involved in agricultural activities. I joined societies related to agriculture and I was among key school officials who will champion agriculture-related initiatives,” he said.

After his primary and secondary education, Rogito joined Egerton University in 2013 and pursued his dream course; a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He bagged his bachelors in 2017.

His commitment to agribusiness did not let him stop there; it laid a solid foundation for him to pursue the next level of education.

He enrolled for a Masters of Management in Agribusiness at Strathmore Business School (SBS).

Rogito would later graduate with a master’s degree in 2020 and this pushed him to pursue a PhD in Strategic Business Leadership at the Adventist University of Africa.

On Sunday, June 9, 2024, Rogito entered the list as one of Kenya’s youngest PhD holders at the age of 28, having been born in November 1995.

His dissertation focused on youth-led food systems transformation, highlighting his commitment to harnessing the potential of Africa’s youth to drive socio-economic development.

“I was born to very spiritual parents who believed in the power of God being able to transform the life of any human being," he said.

"They inspired me to keep going and through their support, I have been able to scale the heights with ease.” 

In addition,  he has bagged various certifications, including being a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and an African Youth Change Maker Fellow in 2018.

His professional journey is as inspiring as his academic one.

His roles have spanned various organizations, including Welthungerhilfe, Equatorial Hortifresh Limited, SNV, and AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa).

Throughout his work experiences, Rogito says he desires to have young people integrated into agribusiness, given the opportunity to showcase their ability to innovate and adapt to changing agricultural landscapes

“The youths must believe in themselves, be proactive and have a vision. They must be determined to achieve what they want. My focus is to keep empowering the youth, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and ensure food security,” he said.

“I envision a future where young Africans are at the forefront of agricultural innovation, driving change and creating resilient food systems in Africa and beyond.”

Rogito is not only a shining example of a youth in academia but also in religion.

At Lavington Seventh Day Adventist church, he is an elder who plays a key role in the administration of the church.

Achieving that at the age of 28  is no mean fete considering he is not married yet.

Elders in SDA church provide spiritual leadership to the church family, as well as helping the pastor meet church and community needs.

For one to be an elder, he must have attained a high degree of spiritual growth, Christlikeness, wisdom, and maturity

“As part of the leadership of the church, we ensure that people in hospitals, schools and prisons get hope and inspiration in their journey of life,” he said.

“My prayer is that every parent can stand with their children in their journey, offer them the motivation they need to shutter any ceiling and above all trust in God.”