Courtesy of UDPK
From Unseen to Unstoppable: My Journey to Safaricom
When Duncan Lanya walks into Safaricom’s offices each morning, he does so with purpose, pride, and a quiet kind of power. As the Environmental Management Officer at the region’s largest telecom company, Duncan isn’t just clocking in — he’s living proof that barriers can be broken, and that talent doesn’t fade with disability, it evolves.
“I have a visual impairment,” he says without hesitation. “But that doesn’t stop me from seeing possibilities.”
The Early Years: From Aspiration to Uncertainty
Duncan’s dream was once to study medicine — until chemistry dashed those plans. He pivoted toward environmental studies in university, developing a passion for climate and sustainability. But midway through his academic journey, he lost his sight. And when graduation came, so did the void.
“I was job hunting like crazy. Sending CVs everywhere. But nothing came through. I had no leads, and no luck. Honestly, I was losing hope.”
A Turning Point: Enter the IT Bridge Academy
Everything changed when Duncan stumbled on a WhatsApp group post calling for applicants to the IT Bridge Academy, a program by Sightsavers, UDPK, and partners aimed at training persons with disabilities in high-demand tech skills like Cisco’s CCNA certification.
“At first, I doubted if I could even manage. Tech is visual — commands, Packet Tracer, simulations… But I chose to try.”
The academy environment was intentionally inclusive. Ramps and pavements. Screen readers like JAWS. Accessible laptops. And most importantly, a community, both peers and trainers that supported each other fiercely.
“We didn’t have to move around much. We had accommodations, meals, and two class schedules to choose from. The afternoon slot worked best for me. After classes, we held peer discussions. Our sighted classmates would walk us through what we missed. That’s how we made it.”
The Challenge and the Growth
The CCNA course wasn’t easy. Packet Tracer labs were tough. Whiteboard-heavy sessions made comprehension tricky for someone who couldn’t see. But group discussions, audio tools, and the shared determination of students pulled him through.
“I kept going because I saw that other like me — the first cohort — had made it. They had landed internships at places like Safaricom. That gave me hope.”
A Dream Realized: Internship and Employment at Safaricom
That hope turned into reality when Duncan received an offer to intern at Safaricom.
“It was a dream come true. Everything changed. My self-image. My outlook on life. Safaricom saw my potential — and gave me a chance to prove it.”
The internship turned into full employment. Now, Duncan is thriving in Safaricom’s environmental team, drawing on the tech skills he gained to manage networks, documents, and digital tools.
“Even though I’m not in the IT department, everything I do is digital. Those CCNA skills come in handy every single day.”
Inclusion in Action
Duncan describes Safaricom as a “home away from home.”
“They didn’t just hire me — they included me. We have ramps, screen readers, disability etiquette training for colleagues. I’ve never felt different here.”
The Bigger Picture: Gratitude and Advocacy
He credits the IT Bridge Academy, its partners, and his mentors for opening the door. The experience, he says, wasn’t just about learning; it was about discovering what was possible.
“We visited Standard Chartered, Microsoft. Met mentors from Google and Safaricom. They encouraged us to dream bigger.”
Now independent, Duncan supports his family — and looks ahead.
“I want to study AI, machine learning. I’m planning for my Master’s, even a PhD. And yes,” he adds with a grin, “I’m planning to settle down soon and start a family.”
His Message to the World
To society, Duncan offers this:
“Stop seeing persons with disabilities as people to pity. See them as potential. Give them opportunities — real ones — in education, employment, and leadership.”
To young people with disabilities who feel stuck or invisible:
“Don’t underestimate yourself. Try. Just try. You don’t know where one opportunity can take you.”