From Nyalenda Slums to Global Leadership: Inspiring Journey of Larry Liza

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  • Looking at Larry Liza, it is difficult to believe he came from Nyalenda Slums, lost his mother after high school, yet still scaled global heights
  • He’s cleaned toilets to educate himself but now leads a comfortable life as the Director of the World Customs Organization’s regional office, overseeing 24 countries
  • He founded The Umbrella Project to honour individuals who positively impact society, and is set to award personalities like Eliud Kipchoge, Sarah K, and Kambua

Larry Liza emerged from the sprawling Nyalenda slums in Kisumu and became a remarkable writer, leader, diplomat, renowned poet, and speaker.

Larry
Larry works as the Director of the World Customs Organization’s regional office. Photos: Larry Liza.
Source: UGC

His journey from humble beginnings to global recognition is nothing short of inspiring.

Tragedy after tragedy for Larry

Raised by a single mother alongside three siblings in challenging slum conditions, Larry’s life took an unexpected turn when his sister tragically passed away due to a lack of adequate medical care.

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He told TUKO.co.ke that despite the hardships, he excelled academically and was always top of his class during primary school.

When he cleared high school, he worked as a hawker in Kisumu town and took up odd jobs such as cleaning toilets and offices.

“My mother passed on not long after, further fueling my drive to succeed,” he stated.

Studied at Harvard

Larry pursued a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Nairobi’s Chiromo Campus, graduating among the top of his class.

He pursued a master’s in Environmental Planning and Management from the same institution and a scholarship to study abroad.

Larry honed his skills at prestigious institutions like Harvard University, the KPI Institute in Australia, and Michigan University.

“I specialized in organizational leadership, strategy execution, performance management, and leading teams,” he continued.

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Rose through the ranks

In 2007, Larry joined the Kenya Revenue Authority as a graduate trainee and moved up the ranks after being seconded to the World Customs Organization.

His exceptional qualities led to his appointment as the Director of the World Customs Organization’s regional office, overseeing 24 countries in East and Southern Africa.

Larry’s commitment to social causes saw him inducted into the International High IQ Society as the Global Ambassador for the White Ribbon Alliance.

He has received numerous accolades, including the Media Focus on Africa Building Bridges for Peace Award 2010.

Larry is multi-talented

A prolific writer, Larry’s books, such as “Irresistible” and “COVID Stories,” have garnered widespread acclaim.

Proceeds from the books support the education of underprivileged students across Kenya.

In 2022, Larry founded The Umbrella Project, a platform dedicated to honouring individuals who positively impact society by inspiring hope.

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Prolific names on award list

During an informal survey to identify individuals who embody hope, names like Eliud Kipchoge, Sarah K, Kambua, Ferdinand Omanyala, and stood out.

“We wish to honour some of these individuals on Saturday, February 3, during an event themed “HopeFest” in Nairobi, at the St. Andrew’s PCEA church’s Main Hall,” he noted.

During the Hopefest event, he will launch a book titled ‘There has never been anything false about hope’. Entry into the event will be free.

Larry said that the event is meant to inspire hope in the face of the many challenges most people are undergoing.

Every time Larry looks back at his journey from the slums to global leadership, three things pop up; resilience, education, and determination.

Source: TUKO.co.ke


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