By Teddy Mutua | Project Contributor
Blige Wanjiku Shikoli is a 25-year-old young woman whose journey is a powerful story of resilience, courage, and transformation. Today, she proudly serves as a fully fledged military officer in the Kenya Defence Forces, a remarkable achievement that once seemed far beyond her reach.
Blige’s life was marked by hardship from a young age. In 2014, at just 14 years old and in Class 7, she lost her mother. As the third born in a family of five siblings, she suddenly found herself navigating life without parental support. Her father became distant and uninterested in their wellbeing, leaving the children to struggle for survival.
In the midst of grief and loneliness, Blige entered into a relationship with a man who initially appeared supportive. However, in 2015, when she became pregnant, he abandoned her, leaving her to face the challenges of motherhood alone. With nowhere else to turn, she returned to her rural home to live with her aunt.
Unfortunately, life there was equally difficult. Blige endured mistreatment and daily hardship. During this period, she met another man who promised her love and stability. Trusting him, she entered into a relationship and later became pregnant again. In 2017, she discovered that he was married and had returned to his family, leaving her once more alone and responsible for her child, without any support.
Determined to change her circumstances, Blige made the bold decision to move to Nairobi in search of a better life. However, upon arrival, she was met with rejection and abuse from her father, who was living there. He subjected her to both verbal and physical abuse until a concerned relative intervened and reported the situation to theauthorities.
This intervention became a turning point in her life. Blige was rescued and taken to Talia Agler Girls Shelter (TAGS), where she finally found safety, compassion, and hope. When she arrived, she was fearful and unsure of herself, but she expressed one simple wish: to return to school.
At TAGS, Blige received comprehensive support that transformed her life. She was provided with basic needs including food, shelter, clothing, and a safe environment. The shelter also supported her education by covering school fees, providing uniforms and learning materials, and offering academic support. Through psychosocial counseling, she began to heal from the trauma she had experienced.
The organization also ensured that her children were safe and cared for by facilitating their placement at Kipepeo Children’s Home. There, they received proper care, education, and access to essential services, giving Blige the peace of mind she needed to focus on rebuilding her life.
Blige enrolled at Bridgewater Girls’ High School and, in 2022, graduated with a mean grade of C+. This achievement symbolized not only academic success but also her resilience and determination to rise above her circumstances.She later joined the National Youth Service (NYS), where she gained valuable skills and discipline. Through this opportunity, she pursued Electrical Engineering (Power Option) at Maasai Mara Technical and Vocational College, further strengthening her future prospects.
On October 24th, 2025, Blige achieved a major milestone when she was successfully recruited into the Kenya Defence Forces. She underwent rigorous military training, demonstrating strength, discipline, and determination throughout the process.
Today, Blige Wanjiku Shikoli has successfully completed her military training and now serves as a fully fledged military officer in the Kenya Defence Forces. Her journey from hardship to service is a testament to the power of resilience, support systems, and determination.
Her story stands as an inspiration to many young women facing adversity, showing that with the right support and unwavering determination, it is possible to overcome even the most difficult circumstances and build a future filled with purpose and hope.Blige remains deeply grateful to Talia Agler Girls Shelter for the role it played in her transformation. The support she received not only helped her survive but empowered her to rise and achieve her dreams.
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By Lincy Jepchirchir | Project Leader
By Lincy Jepchirchir | Project Leader
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