Growing up in Nyandarua County, Solomon Gachugu suffered financial difficulties, and his mother worked constantly to support the family.
After finishing his A-levels in 2000, he studied accounting at KCA University in Kisumu but the post-election violence halted his schooling and forced him to return to Nyandarua.
Solomon was intrigued by the world of computers and enrolled in computer courses at Tracom College in Nakuru.
Despite his lack of experience in the sector, the principal challenged him to take a computer engineering course to which Solomon accepted.
He set off on a tough route after finishing his education, but briefly worked at a cyber cafe where he earned Ksh 3,000 per month.
But later, armed with Ksh 3,500, Solomon left his job as a cyber cafe administrator to start his own computer business.
He rented a room for Ksh 3,500 and went from business to shop, persuading customers to have him maintain their computers.
It was an uphill battle characterized by capital restrictions and the struggle to gain client trust but Solomon’s persistence and fortitude spurred him onward.
He is now the creator of Data Comm Systems and Solutions, a multimillion-dollar technology company on Nakuru’s Kenyatta Avenue.
His company offers a variety of internet and computer services to a wide range of customers including schools, businesses, hospitals and government agencies.
“If you had asked me years ago if one day I would employ people, I would laugh. But now I’m happy that I have given the youth an opportunity to work in a safe environment and contribute to building the economy of the country,” he said.
Solomon earned certifications from global tech behemoths such as Huawei, Dell, HP and Microsoft, assuring his continued relevance in a fast changing field.
Furthermore, he broadened his expertise beyond technology, delving into topics like water pumping and earth falls.
In one instance, Solomon completed a brief course on these topics with a UK-based organization and received accreditation.
