The Story of Fridah Mokaya: The First Black Woman to Attain PhD in Nuclear Physics

Fridah Mogoi Mokaya has become the first black woman in the world to awarded a PhD in Nuclear Physics. Fridah earned the degree from Connecticut University in the USA.

Her achievement is truly unique given that she has her roots in Kisii and has worked up the ladder to achieve a truly magnificent award in the world of academics.

Fridah undertook her master’s degree at Binghamton University where the reality dawned on her that she was set to achieve a unique academic fete and she enrolled for her PhD in UCONN.

In 2012 she became a mother and had to juggle between family, work and PhD. She says it was a daunting task but thankfully she had a very supportive figure in the form of her husband.

In an interview with Africa Warrior Magazine, the Pangani Girls Alumni told the magazine that she had been very keen on sciences since her high school days. She had the been admitted to JKUAT to pursue a BSC in Physics.

The story of Fridah is a very touching and inspiring one especially to young girls from Gusiiland. It is also a true testament to the saying that the sky is the limit for those who have dreams and have set their eyes on the ultimate price.