Born and bred in Uganda Kiprotich Denis Moi is one of those people with so much energy they would give the energizer bunny a run for his money. His family moved from Kenya to Uganda in the 1950’s. He confesses to have had a very strict Christian upbringing.
I was one of those kids that some students did not like very much because of my outstanding grades in math and chemistry. They had names for me, bookworm, Mr. Nerdy. Geeky boy, etc. (He laughs). Interestingly, most of them would fight to be in my study group because I offered that extra tutoring.
Denis pursued a degree in Education- Math and Chemistry. Immediately after completing his studies, he got contacted for a job in Burundi by an American organization, Gitega International Academy, Burundi.
He noticed and disliked the curriculum that was determined to develop workers and not achievers. I feel you Moi on this one, what is up with the public school curriculum everywhere aiming to bring out a worker mentality attitude.
I moved back to Uganda and founded Youth Empowerment Solutions (YES UGANDA). Our vision is to offer basic life skills to youth in and out of school.
Denis got a job at Namilyango College as a house teacher where the students would flock to him for tutoring and counseling.
In 2015, he started a gadget business, DMPHone Empire which did well and reached break even in months. This was after discovering a need for his products in rural Uganda. He targeted and reached the masses.
Denis later discovered his love for women rights and specifically FGM which he noted was being practiced openly without any intervention. His organization, YES UG partnered with different partners and was able to save over 1,000 girls from undergoing FGM in three districts in rural Uganda.
The PS to the president called me directly to congratulate me. I was over the moon because I had done it just to save our little girls. The government offered us support for future events and a huge sum of money to run a certain project that I will not disclose now. If you want to find out the details, you can contact me directly (we both laugh). YES UG has given me my purpose and it is very fulfilling. I have a dedicated team and we go at it with all our hearts. There's nothing like great friends who are also your colleagues. I love you guys, if you ever see this.
Getting selected for YALI RLC was a huge achievement for Moi. Here, he made huge connections with fellow African leaders, met Boniface Mwangi at PAWA who greatly inspires him. He also met the Uganda National Roads Authority’s executive director who was in Kenya- they are now working together to engage his community. He also met his mentor, Anastasia who has been key in his growth.
I always engage with the youth and most of them talk too much. Their energy sometimes comes off like that of a know it all. Every young person can relate to this. Please learn effective communication skills which will open your mind to opportunities. Learn as much as you can. Learn from various age groups. Learn. Learn. Learn. Because knowledge is power. Be honest with your story because in this way, you get guidance much easier. Focus on passion as your driving force.
Moi’s vision is to continue building YES UGANDA and hold civic education engagements that reach over 500,000 people in the next five years.
He looked a little puzzled when I asked him if he was interested in joining politics in future. He confirmed that it was something he was seriously considering. His Kenyan Kikuyu rooted entrepreneurship spirit seems to not give him rest. It is a life venture he is also not willing to let go anytime soon..
Denis loves the all-time Kalenjin favorite food, Ugali and Mursik. Walking along the beach at twilight makes him irrationally happy. We wish you the very best Denis as you soar high like the eagle you are.
