From The Street to CEO: Innocent Paluget’s Journey to Building a Leading Study Abroad Agency in Kenya

In Summary;

Innocent is 33 years old

Comes from Cherang’any in Trans Nzoia County

Once lived on the streets of Eldoret and Nairobi

Tried his hand in various businesses before moving abroad

Worked overseas and later returned to found a study abroad agency

Story by: John Kipchirchir

Life, they say, is full of ups and downs. Few success stories embody this better than that of Mr. Innocent Kipkemboi Paluget, CEO and founder of Oneteam Career Coaches, one of the fastest-growing study abroad agencies in Kenya with offices in Eldoret and Kericho. His journey, from being a street boy to running a successful business that connects Kenyan students to universities abroad is a testimony of resilience, faith, and determination.

Innocent Kipkemboi Paluget founder Oneteam Career Coaches. (Photo Courtesy)

Who is Paluget?

“I am Innocent Kipkemboi Paluget, founder of Oneteam Career Coaches. Our agency specializes in guiding students from Kenya and beyond who want to pursue education opportunities abroad. I come from Kipkeikei village in Cherang’any, Trans Nzoia County.”

Growing Up and Academic Journey

“I was raised by a single mother (may she rest in peace). She was a primary school teacher, and because of frequent transfers, I attended seven different primary schools before sitting my KCPE at Kipkeikei Primary. Later, I joined Kipkeikei Secondary School, a local day school.

For post-secondary education, I studied for a KNEC Diploma in Business Management in Eldoret before joining St. Paul’s University, where I pursued both a Diploma and Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media and Communication.”

A Short Stint in Music

“When I lost my mother, life became extremely difficult. I even ended up living on the streets of Eldoret and Nairobi. Out of survival, I turned to hustling and later tried building a music career for seven years.

It wasn’t easy. The music industry in Kenya is full of gatekeepers, and despite founding Zion Media Empire, my music journey didn’t succeed. I also tried other businesses; a shop, a PlayStation center, a barber shop, all of which failed. But failure did not stop me. It prepared me for bigger things.”

Moving Abroad and Founding Oneteam Career Coaches

“After my struggles, I travelled to the UK, where I worked various jobs and toured across Europe. That experience opened my eyes to the vast opportunities that studying abroad can create.

That’s how the idea of Oneteam Career Coaches was born. I realized education is the best passport to new opportunities abroad. Today, our agency connects students with schools worldwide and also offers IELTS training, foreign language classes (German, French, Arabic), and caregiving courses, services that give students an edge when applying for visas and scholarships.”

The Majuu Sacco Dream

“Many parents who want to send their children abroad end up selling property to raise the required funds. Some embassies ask for proof of up to Ksh. 6 million in bank statements before issuing a student visa in Kenya.

To solve this, I came up with Majuu Sacco. It will help families save, access loans, and present strong financial statements when applying for visas. It will also serve as a safe savings and investment channel for Kenyans living abroad. The Sacco has been registered, and I believe it will transform how students and parents finance their study abroad journeys.”

Vision

“My vision is to educate and empower society through global education opportunities. Each time I attend a farewell party for a student heading abroad, I feel deeply fulfilled seeing the joy and hope on parents’ faces.

My goal is to see Oneteam Career Coaches Eldoret & Kericho and now Nairobi expand across Kenya and even regionally. We want to be a leading Kenya study abroad consultancy, helping thousands of young people access opportunities overseas.”

Advice to the Youth

“Business is not just about money. It’s about building a brand that lasts beyond your lifetime. Start with what you have, fail, learn, unlearn, and keep moving until you succeed.

As an entrepreneur, you must carve out your own niche. Depending on others too much is a recipe for disappointment.”

Parting Shot

“I wish everyone God’s blessings. I am a believer, and I put God first in everything I do. As Habakkuk 2:3 says: For the vision awaits an appointed time… though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come.

And as Isaiah 60:22 reminds us: The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. My prayer is that everyone dares to start, no matter how small.”

Contact Oneteam Career Coaches – Study Abroad Kenya

📍 Eldoret – Safina Plaza, 1st Floor, Room F2 | ☎️ 0725 403096

📍 Kericho – AGC Bethany Centre, Opposite Family Bank | ☎️ 0728 545835

      Nairobi - Westlands, Woodvale street, Krishna Centre 5th floor, Room G7 ☎️ 0719565618.