From Diploma to PhD: The Inspiring Academic Journey of Dr Kipkemoi Cheruiyot

The Inspiring Story of CPA Dr Kipkemoi Cheruiyot has been trending online for the last week or so. This a truly remarkable fete for a man who started off with a diploma course and now holds a CPA K and PhD.

In 2009, Kipkemoi Cheruiyot joined RVIST (Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology) College in Nakuru to study a Diploma in Banking and Finance, fully determined to study to the highest level possible. While it wasn’t possible for him to enrol in a degree program at the time, that didn’t slow him down. At RVIST he served as the Student Union chairman between 2009 and 2011.

In 2012, he joined the University of Kabianga and graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management (Finance and Banking option). While still a student at Kabianga, he started his CPA certification journey and by 2017, he had completed all the papers and earned the title CPA.

In 2017, he enrolled for an MBA in Accounting and Finance at the same institution. While still pursuing his master’s, he also enrolled for a Higher National Diploma in Entrepreneurship (KNEC) and topped the nation with a Distinction. In 2018, he graduated with a master’s degree.

In 2019, he joined Laikipia University for a PhD in Finance, and graduated in December 2025. It took him six years. He is currently working as a Senior Risk Officer at the University of Kabianga, Chairman to the Board of Kaptatet County Hospital, Deputy Chair at Cheborge Girls, VC Audit Committee at the County Assembly of Kericho, etc.

His journey is that of resilience, staying focused, aggressive, hardworking, and determined. To him, starting from a diploma wasn’t a reason to give up on his dream but a stimulant to scale mountains. Today, he is an inspiration to many in Kericho County and beyond.

> From Junior Officer to Managing Director of KCB Bank Kenya