From high school sweethearts to partners for life
Linet Kwamboka and Bernard Atuya.
When Linet Kwamboka and Bernard Atuya first met in high school, little did they know that their innocent attraction would blossom into a lifelong commitment.
They were both in the same school, Bernard in Form Four and Linet in Form Three.
"I met my wife in 2010 when we were in the same high school, I was in Form Four and she was in Form Three and I was attracted to her as a magnet," says Bernard.
High school relationships often begin with innocent glances across the corridor or a shared smile in class, and this couple was no different. These small gestures blossomed into a deep connection.
Despite their mutual attraction, the two understood the importance of prioritising their studies.
"Although maintaining a high school relationship while excelling academically can be challenging, we found ways to prioritise our studies while nurturing our love," he says.
And even after he finished his high school education and left Linet behind, he managed to maintain effective communication to keep their love growing.
"At that time I was living with my cousin and I used my uncle's phone to communicate while my wife used her father's phone, it was a crazy time," he notes with a laugh.
Their love story was tested when Linet moved to Nairobi for work after finishing high school.
"She stayed in Nairobi for three years and I decided to come up with a lie to convince her to come back to Nakuru, luckily she bought the lies but my only worry was where we would start our life as I was not very stable financially at the time but my wife was supportive and she got through the first month," Bernard explains.
Neither of their parents was able to support them as they continued their studies. Linet and Bernard's relationship became a source of personal growth. They encouraged each other to work harder.
"Even though I bought the lies and stayed for two years without a job, my husband was very supportive, especially when I got pregnant after just one year of living together," says Linet.
"Despite the fact that I have a better job than my husband, I still respect him and would never exchange our love for money, because tomorrow is not promised," she says.
Linet points out that maintaining friendship within the relationship is crucial and important because there is a time when love is not enough.
The couple says they have normalised disagreements because both of them have good intentions to strengthen their relationship.
Linet and Bernard are a testament to the enduring power of young love. Their journey is a reminder that young love can grow into a deep and lasting partnership.