Hailing from Bungoma County, Lucas James is one happy man counting his blessings after constructing a new home for his mother solely with his earnings from a security guard job.

Lucas studied for a Bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Logistics at Laikipia University in Kenya, graduating in 2017. However, he has had difficulties landing a career-aligned job, something that shook his prospects for a bright future.

Coming from a humble background, Lucas had to reevaluate his options. Not one to despair, Lucas got onto the field, tarmacking and hustling for any job that may come his way so that he could put food on the table.

Fortunately, he secured a security guard position in Qatar. While taking up the offer, his driving ambition was changing his mother’s lifestyle.

For this reason, he had to wisely budget his earnings, with a big chunk going into savings. One and a half years later living in the Middle East, Lucas accumulated enough money to start constructing his mother’s new home.

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“My sister and I sacrificed everything to change our mother’s life,’ he said in an interview.

To Lucas, building the home is arguably his proudest accomplishment. He stated that he was ever uncomfortable seeing their mother live in a dilapidated house. This motivated him to give everything he had to see her upgrade.

Lucas admitted that initially, the task seemed distant and daunting. Nonetheless, he is now pleased with his decision, noting that community members and neighbours who once underestimated them now watch in admiration.

“They laugh at us in security guard uniforms, but we are transforming lives in the villages,” he said.