Praise & Reviews
Meet The Authors
In the heart of Kenya, a father and daughter embarked on an extraordinary literary voyage. Their shared passion for storytelling wove a tapestry of memories, resilience, and wisdom—a testament to the human spirit. From pre-colonial whispers to post-colonial echoes, they explored dictatorship, democracy, war-torn countries, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Amidst it all, faith and hope in God illuminated their path, leaving an indelible mark on the pages of their autobiography.
Explore The Chapters Of Patrick's Journey
Key Themes Of The Book
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Start Reading An Excerpt
Decisions are inevitable in life. We are faced with small and big decisions at different stages of our lives. Not making a decision is also making a decision, but at what cost? When Gachoki, Patrick's grandmother lost her husband Njoroge through poisoning, find out what decision she made to protect her family.
Having a young family to feed and shouldering the responsibility of being the first born son, Memia lived a simple life and took care of his fathers' cows. However, when the British colonisers introduced hut tax that suppressed the locals, he got employed for his excellent culinary skills, but how did his workmates take this?
Imagine that part of your regular daily routine is to deliver lunch to your father at his work premises. Then on one day, you find a crowd gathered around his house. You're not let in and are instead ordered to return home. How would you react?
It's a regular day, you're playing outdoors with your friends. But suddenly you see a man bleeding profusely from his head with sharp nail like sticks sticking out of his head. Immediately after, there's a red helicopter flying low. Do you run? Do you hide?
Common Book Queries
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Why is the book ''From Herdsboy to Satellite Technician'' about?is an autobiography that chronicles the life of my father, Patrick, an ex-UN satellite engineer, who faced numerous challenges and adversities throughout his career and personal life. The book delves into his journey of overcoming these obstacles, his professional achievements, and the life lessons he’s learned along the way. It's a story of resilience, hope, and the power of perseverance.
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Why did you and your father decide to co-author this book?It all started as a project to transfer my father's well narrated stories to a book for his children and grandchildren but grew into a wider project that allowed us to combine Patrick's firsthand experiences with my perspective to provide a deeper, more reflective narrative. Co-authoring allowed us to explore not just the technical and professional aspects of his life, but also the personal stories and insights that have shaped him. It’s a tribute to his legacy and a way to share valuable lessons with a wider audience.
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Who is the target audience for this book?''From Herdsboy to Satellite Technician'' is a for anyone interested in inspiring stories of overcoming adversity, particularly in the fields of engineering, technology, and international careers. It's also ideal for readers who appreciate stories of personal growth, resilience, and the dynamics of moving abroad, Africans in the diaspora, racism and managing family dynamics in the context of professional success.
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How does this book differ from other autobiographies?This book stands out because it intertwines the technical world of satellite engineering with deeply personal and emotional experiences. It provides a unique perspective on how professional and personal challenges can be overcome through resilience, and it offers other perspectives about the suffering that many went through in Kenya, from the time of emergency in 1952, to independence, to the dark days of dictatorship to democracy. It shows how each of these times impacted lives of ordinary Kenyans , grappling with the impact of colonialism and trying to create a bright future amidst the multitude of challenges they faced. It gives hopes but portrays the struggles authentically and unapologetically.
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What are some key themes explored in the book?The book covers the themes of matriarchy, patriarchy, colonialism, moving abroad, education and its generational impact, family bonds and lasting friendships. It also captures resilience in the face of adversity, the intersection of technology and humanity, the importance of family and mentorship, and the personal impact of working in high-stakes, global environments like the UN. The book also explores close family bonds specifically on brotherhood and leaving a legacy of values that can be emulated for success. Faith in God and how this led to overcoming barriers is a main theme of this book.
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Will there be any events or book signings?Yes, we plan to host several events, both virtual and in-person, including book signings, Q&A sessions, and talks. Details will be announced on the website and through our newsletter. We’re excited to engage with readers and share more about the journey that led to the creation of this book.
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How can I get a copy of the book?The book will be available for purchase on major online platforms such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and directly through our website. We will also offer signed copies and special editions exclusively on our website.
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What inspired the title "From Herdsboy to Satellite Technician"?The title reflects the dual nature of my father’s life—starting off in humble beginnings as a herdsboy looking after sheep and cows because their mother couldn't afford to educate them and later on overcoming obstacles and not letting go of his dream to be a satellite engineer. It encapsulates the idea that resilience, like engineering, can be carefully crafted and honed through experience, determination, and faith in God to overcome life’s challenges.
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How can I stay updated on news related to the book?You can subscribe to our newsletter on the website to receive updates on book releases, events, and exclusive content. Follow us on social media for the latest news and behind-the-scenes insights.