What is your Why? For Siaji Otieno, it’s for his Mental Wellbeing

June 3, 2025 2 min read
Siaji Otieno, a Network and infrastructure engineer and a runner

Siaji Otieno, a Network and infrastructure engineer and a runner

What is your Why? is a story series by Kenya’s active community of runners, cyclists, hikers, triathletes and gym-goers on why they do what they do in their own words.

There aren’t many spaces online where one can read or tell their stories of fitness  & wellness, yet these stories matter as much as any others. Not just as a way of self-reflection, but also as sparks of inspiration to millions out there who still believe that running, cycling, hiking, or any other form of physical exercise is just too hard/boring or any other negative superlative you can think of.

This week’s feature is Siaji Otieno


Tell us a bit about yourself, who are you, and what do you do?

I was a self-taught Network and infrastructure engineer, now learning Coding and programming ( DevOps)

When did you begin living actively, which fitness activity are you most passionate about, and what led you down this path?

I began living actively almost 3 years back when I saw my friends who I was playing football with running in Karura Forest. I later joined Karura Running Club, where I am an active member to date.

In what ways has practising fitness & wellness benefited you?
After being terminated from work because of cyber fraud that happened in our place of work in June 2018, I was living in denial, which almost led me to depression. I began running to forget the numerous Court sessions at the Kiambu Law court that were messing with my mental wellbeing. Running became interesting.  2 months ago, after 6 years, when the Kiambu Case ended and I emerged victorious.
Do you have a memorable achievement or milestone you’ve reached in your fitness journey? Tell us all about it.
I never thought that I would run a half-marathon. SO far, I have completed the Nairobi City Half Marathon, Standard Chartered Half Marathon, Kilimanjaro Half Marathon 2024 and 2025 and Kampala Legends Half Marathon.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in staying consistent? How did you overcome it, and what keeps you disciplined?
Time management. I learnt to better manage my time by waking up early to train well and on time.
Every one of us has gone through some learning curves in our fitness journey. What are your two most embarrassing moments?
Before I started running, I tried hiking. We were in Ngong Forest together with Former Gor Mahia Coach Ouna Frank, Former Mara United Coach Mideyo George and Charley Blackman. When coming back, I was not able to finish. I had to take a Boda-boda .
What is the one piece of advice that you wish someone had told you before you began this journey?
Chak a Chaka. It means “Just Start” in Dholuo.
How do you balance your fitness routine with career, family, and other commitments, and what are some of the sacrifices you’ve had to make?
Most of my trainings I do them early in the morning before the day starts. Later, I come back and take my babies to school. Since I love sleeping, that is one thing that I have had to sacrifice on Saturdays
What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out, and this fitness thing is feeling too hard
Chak a Chaka.

Any goals you have set for yourself, short and long-term?
Running a Full Marathon and Summiting Mount Kenya

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