Marsabit Senator Mohammed Chute's son, Nur Mohammed Chute, is now a certified doctor.
Chute graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Medicine and Surgery on Friday, October 27, after successfully completing six years of coursework with stellar performances at Egerton University.
In an exclusive interview with Kenyans.co.ke, the new graduate explained that his journey from the dusty town of Moyale to the medical world's enchanted corridors was not easy.
Born and bred in Moyale, Marsabit County, Chute attended primary school within the town, attaining 372 marks before transitioning to Utumishi High School in Gilgil, where he emerged among the top performers nationally with an A grade of 81 points.
Planning to join the university, the graduate was hellbent on pursuing a career as a teacher, but his high school biology tutor convinced him to take Medicine instead.
His uncle, an endoscopic spine surgeon practising in the United States, also played a big role in shaping his choice.
"I am a curious person when it comes to learning. I initially wanted to be a teacher, but in high school, my Biology teacher, who was also my career mentor, convinced me to try medicine," he recalled.
"My uncle, Doctor Said Osman, who is currently in the USA, also motivated me to be a doctor. I think we have similar pathways to medicine."
During his studies at the institution, Chute admitted to enduring challenges during his coursework, especially studying during the pandemic.
He noted that the semesters were packed closely together, and in some instances, the faculty only accorded the students one week break, therefore limiting their interaction with family.
"People began to think that we were avoiding them when it was not the case," he told this writer.
His hard work, however, paid off when he was ranked among the top performers in his faculty, earning him a position in the esteemed 2023 Egerton Vice Chancellor's Excellence Award.
The achievement shocked even his father, who 'was very happy and told me that I broke a record.'
"I want to practice in Kenya because we have shortages in various specialties despite a high number of unemployed doctors. I think it is good to practice in the country after specialisation and I am targeting to work in the Northern frontier including counties of Marsabit, Samburu, Turkana, Wajir, Mandera and Garissa," he explained.
