Kevin Okwara: From Earning Ksh 7,000 to Owning Alphax College and the Iconic Noble Hotel in Eldoret

Education and Entrepreneurship: The Inspiring Journey of Kevin Okwara

Kevin Okwara is a name that resonates with many residents of Eldoret, largely because of his successful venture, Alphax College. But beyond academics, he is also the proud owner of the luxurious Noble Hotel, strategically located in Kapsoya, off the Eldoret–Nairobi road.

Okwara’s journey to success began in the mid-1990s, shaped by his Christian faith, which he credits for his courage to take risks. After completing a degree in Computing and Mathematics at Kenyatta University in the early ’90s, Okwara sought employment in Nairobi’s Central Business District. On his first attempt, he received two job offers to teach computer studies and opted for the one offering a monthly salary of Ksh 7,000 over another with Ksh 5,000.

Despite being a competent and diligent computer instructor, he soon realized the unfairness of working hard for an employer who earned over Ksh 500,000 monthly but paid him a mere Ksh 10,000. Feeling underappreciated, he resigned after one year.

From Teaching to Tutoring: The Turning Point

Determined to take control of his future, Okwara began offering computer skills tutoring independently. This move proved lucrative, earning him around Ksh 13,000 per week. His persistence and excellence caught the attention of a Dutch national who hired him to teach in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County. His first batch of students earned him Ksh 52,000 in just one week, and the second batch brought in Ksh 500,000.

During this period, Okwara trained many of the ICT staff in the region, leaving a lasting impact. By the late ’90s, he had established his first computer college in Nairobi while continuing to collaborate with his European mentor. After three years of successful partnership, they parted ways.

Bringing Success to Eldoret

Although Nairobi offered business opportunities, Okwara preferred the calm and familiar environment of Eldoret. He eventually relocated his computer college to the Eldoret-Iten road, giving birth to Alphax College, which has steadily expanded over the years.

The Birth of Noble Hotel

Okwara’s entry into the hospitality industry came after a frustrating experience with an Eldoret hotel manager in 2006. During a seminar booking, the hotel failed to arrange chairs in time, forcing Okwara and his colleagues to do it themselves. The manager’s arrogant remark—implying that Okwara should have found another venue—sparked an idea. He realized that Eldoret’s hospitality sector had untapped potential, and the few existing hotel owners were not meeting high standards despite the demand.

This inspired him to establish Noble Hotel, a symbol of quality service and comfort in Eldoret. Over the years, it has become one of the town’s most recognized hospitality establishments.

Kevin Okwara’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and strategic risk-taking. From earning a modest Ksh 7,000 to owning a thriving college and a luxury hotel, his journey underscores how vision combined with hard work can transform lives.