Julius Muga Ogayo

I was born in the south-western part of Kenya, the fourth born in a family of nine. I am the first in my family to obtain a university degree. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi, Kenya; a Master of Science in Public Policy from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom, where I studied as a Chevening Scholar (2018/19); and a Master of Arts in International Development, specialising in Infrastructure Development, Governance and Policy, from American University in Washington, D.C., United States.

I have worked in both the private and public sectors in Kenya in various capacities, including advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities in economic empowerment, political leadership inclusion, and access to education. I am passionate about infrastructure development, with a particular focus on inclusive and sustainable infrastructure planning and development for all.

What are your aspirations once you have completed this course?

Upon completing this course, I aspire to champion the integration of disability inclusion into infrastructure planning and development across Africa, ensuring that future projects are designed to be accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities.

How do you envision you will apply the learnings from this course to your professional or personal life?

I aim to influence policy and become a leading consultant in disability inclusion, contributing to the design and delivery of major infrastructure projects. My goal is to ensure that physical and social infrastructures are accessible, equitable, and uphold the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds?

I decided to apply for the MSc Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion at the University of Leeds to gain the technical expertise needed to embed disability inclusion in infrastructure planning.

Persons with disabilities are often excluded from development decisions due to limited representation and skills. Leeds’ globally recognised programme will equip me to bridge that gap, ensuring PWDs’ voices shape planning processes from the outset, rather than as an afterthought, and promoting truly inclusive and sustainable infrastructure development in Africa.

What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study?

I am driven by a strong desire to see the development of inclusive and disability-friendly infrastructure that is co-designed and co-created with the voices of persons with disabilities who bring both lived experience and technical expertise. I am passionate about ensuring that the needs of PWDs are addressed holistically and that barriers hindering their full access and participation are effectively removed.

What do you think of your course so far?

So far, I have greatly enjoyed the topics we have covered. In particular, the discussion on disability models, especially the social model, as it closely aligns with my interest in inclusive infrastructure planning and development.

I also found the topic of intersectionality fascinating, especially in how it highlights the ways gender, ethnicity, culture, religion, and race intersect with disability to reinforce discrimination and exclusion. Understanding these intersections is vital to addressing inequalities holistically and promoting true inclusion for persons with disabilities.

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to your course?

I would encourage anyone passionate about disability studies, rights, and inclusion to apply for this course. My advice is to start preparing early, draft strong personal statements and essays, seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors, and refine your application carefully. For those pursuing scholarships, remember that these are highly competitive opportunities that require well-prepared and compelling submissions.

What do you plan to do once you’ve finished your course? What are your career aspirations?

I plan to venture into consultancy within the field of infrastructure planning and development, with a strong focus on ensuring that all projects are co-designed and co-created with the input of persons with disabilities who bring both lived experience and technical expertise. 

What would you say are the main advantages of studying this course online?

The online course is particularly advantageous for individuals with work or family commitments. It is well-paced to allow students to learn while continuing with their professional and personal responsibilities without disruption.