"There’s a part of your career you control — and a part that just happens. The magic is in showing up for both."
Biography & Journey to Academia
Dr. Meroka’s journey into academia wasn’t planned—it was a series of fortuitous events. After completing his Bachelor of Pharmacy in 2013, he returned from studying abroad to find himself unregistered and uncertain about his next steps. His first break came when he took a tutoring job at a diploma college, which unexpectedly launched his academic career.
He gradually built his reputation as a lecturer across various institutions, including JKUAT and Mount Kenya University. Eventually, he found his true calling at Kabarak University, where he lectures pharmacology with a unique blend of scientific depth and a mentorship style grounded in humility, grit, and strategy.
From Hustle to Purpose: The Turn That Mattered
Dr. Meroka initially aspired to study medicine, but financial constraints led him to choose pharmacy. Chemistry became his anchor, and teaching was what kept him invested in the field. His hospital internship experience, however, revealed what he didn’t want to be as a mentor, guiding him toward education with renewed purpose.
A Decade of Shaping Thinkers, Not Just Pharmacists
Over the last decade, Dr. Meroka has influenced hundreds of students, encouraging them to think beyond formulas and dosages. He believes that pharmacy must evolve to address the complexities of the modern world. One of his key lessons to students? Don’t wait for the perfect moment to act—time waits for no one.
Moments That Still Give Him Goosebumps
- Standing in front of a new class for the first time.
- Watching students exceed expectations.
- Realizing how far he has come in his own journey from hustling to shaping the future of pharmacy.
Mentorship: Advice to His Younger Self
- Start your PhD earlier.
- Use every opportunity, no matter how small—they’re often the turning points.
- Accept that not everything in your journey will be within your control.
Advice to Students Today
- Focus on winning the week, not the decade.
- Be smart and strategic about your career path.
- Build meaningful relationships—good mentorship is transformative.
- Don’t wait for motivation—start now and figure things out as you go.
Quick Profile Summary
- Lecturer, School of Pharmacy, Kabarak University
- Over 10 years in academia
- Former tutor at Tracom, JKUAT, and Mount Kenya University
- Passionate about pharmacology, mentorship, and career momentum
- Known for grounded advice and honest storytelling
Final Word
"Pharmacy is evolving. It’s not just about pills — it’s about people, systems, and strategy. Be more than competent. Be conscious."
