March 19, 2024

Forbes Africa Lists JKUAT Student in Top 30 Under 30 

1. Dr. Joan Ruguru Kimani ready with her stethoscope to swing into action in serving humanity in healthcare distress Photo by Courtesy

BY PATRICK AMUNAVI 

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Forbes Africa has listed Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology student, Dr. Joan Ruguru Kimani, as one of the Top 30 under 30 Class of 2022 Achievers in the latest ranking. 

Dr. Ruguru who is set to graduate with Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree during the 38th Graduation Ceremony on June 28, 2022, was outstanding in her work on Child health and Parenting. 

Ruguru Kimani, as she prefers to be called, and the 2020 winner of the Top 35 under 35 Youth of the Year Award, continues to trail the blaze, bagging accolades and recognitions, courtesy of her passion for matters Child health and Parenting. 

She is arguably one of the brightest young Africans who are blazing the trail with their exceptional work as innovative thinkers on the cusp of shaping the continent’s trajectory in various fields. And for Ruguru Kimani, it is the area of Child Health and Parenting. 

Having already taken the Hippocratic Oath that was administered by the Medical Council in February this year, Dr. Ruguru has literally seen her star rise steadily: 

She is poised to represent Kiambu County in the battle for “Ms. President Contest in the Academy that is sponsored by the European Union, United Nations and the Canadian Government under a program run by Media Focus on Africa. 

Her passionate engagement on Child Health and Parenting issues has now catapulted her to the continent’s limelight following her latest recognition and listing as one of the Top 30 under 30 Africans by Forbes AFRICA. 

The certificate awarded to Dr Joan Ruguru Kimani Photo by Courtesy (File Photo)

FOUR KENYANS  

Ruguru is one of the four Kenyans who made it to the coveted list of 30 indicviduals from Africa, honoured by Forbes AFRICA in the class of 2022 for their exceptional contribution to the growth of the continent. 

Ruguru Kimani topped in the Child Health and Parenting Category, as her counterparts from Kenya: Elsa Majimbo was lauded for her creativity as a social media influencer, while Sylvia Gathoni was recognized for championing E-Sports in the continent, as Charlot Magayi was recognized for her endorsement of clean energy, a statement from Forbes AFRICA, stated. 

According to Forbes, “The list features Africans under the age of 30 who are innovative entrepreneurs, tech geeks, sports stars and influential creatives contributing to the continent’s growth story.” 

What does she feel about Forbes recognition and achievement? 

“It is an inspiration to the youth that passion and hobbies can be turned into professional ventures.” 

I feel it is a validation of my work, and a lesson on consistency in projects that one is interested’ the fact that have been doing it pro bono, shows that people can be rewarded from giving back freely to the community. I have been blogging for 7 years, and growing my audiences and numbers.” 

Ruguru Kimani, an alumna of Maryhill Girls, says, she is very clear in her mind what she wants to achieve: “My main goal is to get into global health and policy making space in regard to child health.” 

Ruguru whose future dream is to “hold a position at the World Health Organization focusing on improving the lives of children” says, she wants to ensure her passion in Child health is achieved. 

In the next five years, Ruguru’s plans are crystal clear: “to become a prolific writer with an expansion of my blog platform to printmedia and create employment for people who have a passion to writewhen it comes to parenting and child healthcare.” 

She adds: “I hope to be a successful medical doctor and later, specialize in Paediatrics andChild Health.” 

She says, “JKUAT School of Medicine has given me a rare opportunity and a conducive environment to grow as a writer and medical student.  My special appreciation goes to my mentors at the School of Medicine; Dr. Justus Simba and Dr. Patrick Mburugu and my parents for playing an enormous role in my success.” 

In 2020, Ruguru, an articulate medical student in the School of Medicine, won the Top35Under35Youth of the Year Award in the Health Services Category for her compelling phenomenal youth engagement accomplishments, particularly her exquisite exposition of child health and parenting issues. 

The Founder/CEO of Exciting Parenting, also runs a blog (www.excitingparenting.com), a vibrant platform where she articulates important information on children and parenting. 

“I have received feedback indicating that I have been able to impact lives of young parents through creating skills and knowledge on important parenting and healthcare topics, such as danger signs of illnesses, essential First Aid skills and management of bedwetting in children. 

Ruguru believes herstrong writing skills were instrumental in her nomination as well as handling a technical niche of parenting and child healthcare, without the real practical experience of being a parent, has been viewed as an outstanding achievement. 

As an alumna of Forbes class of 2022, Dr. Ruguru Kimani is “shining a light on the issues plaguing Africa’s growth in a pandemic era and also working towards shifting the narrative in innovative ways.” 

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