The story of Jackson Maina, a Kenyan whose viral video captured him passionately singing along to a gospel song in a US Navy uniform, perfectly embodies the saying, “Life is what you make it.” His remarkable transformation from a humble watchman in Nakuru to a member of one of the world’s most powerful militaries is a true testament to resilience, faith, and determination.
Born and raised in Nyahururu to a low-income family, Maina’s early life was marked by struggle. His parents, despite their limited means, did everything they could to keep him in school, often depending on the goodwill of others to pay his school fees. Education was a constant challenge, but his parents never gave up on him.
However, like many teenagers, Maina’s focus during high school shifted toward distractions — friends, phones, and social life. When he sat for his KCSE exams in 2016, his results reflected his lack of focus, scoring a disappointing D plain. The poor grade deeply disappointed his father, who had always emphasized the importance of education as the key to a better life.
Determined to find a new direction, Maina left home for Samburu, seeking independence and clarity. He soon realized that ambition alone wasn’t enough — success required strategy, discipline, and documentation. He took up several odd jobs: working as a bar attendant, a construction worker in Nakuru, and later as a turnboy for a lorry transporting goods between Nairobi and Uganda.
His life took a positive turn in 2019, when he joined the National Youth Service (NYS). There, he hoped to train in operating construction machinery and build a better future. During his time at NYS, his father encouraged him to apply for the US Green Card Diversity Visa. Although his first attempt failed, Maina didn’t lose hope. That same year, tragedy struck — his father passed away — but the loss fueled his determination to succeed in his honor. He completed his NYS training in 2020 with renewed focus and purpose.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, jobs became scarce. Maina returned to Samburu and joined the Kazi Mtaani program while actively applying for better opportunities, including the National Police Service. When an opportunity arose to work in Qatar, he was forced to let it go due to financial limitations. Refusing to give up, he took a night job as a watchman in Nakuru, saving every shilling he could.
In October 2020, Maina decided to take another shot at the Green Card lottery — a decision that would change his life forever. He worked tirelessly, juggling shifts as a watchman at night and a construction worker during the day. Months later, he received the life-changing news: he had been selected as a DV lottery winner. With the help of friends, he began the visa application process and secured a host family in Pennsylvania by March 2022.
Upon arriving in the United States, Maina took up warehouse work to support himself and fulfilled the Selective Service requirement for green card holders under 25. His commitment and discipline soon opened new doors — he enrolled for military training in Chicago and officially joined the US Navy.
Today, Jackson Maina proudly wears the Navy uniform that once seemed an impossible dream. Beyond his military duties, he runs a YouTube channel where he shares his journey and mentors other Kenyans seeking opportunities abroad. Through his story, he encourages young people never to give up — no matter their background or challenges.
Maina’s rise from a watchman to a US Navy serviceman is not just a success story; it is a powerful reminder that faith, hard work, and perseverance can turn even the darkest moments into a testimony of triumph. Indeed, Jackson Maina’s life proves that “your background is not your barrier, but your beginning.”