Ex-teacher becomes first Kenyan to reach Mt Everest peak

James Kagambi, a 62-year-old retired teacher, made history by becoming the first Kenyan native to summit Mount Everest.

Kagambi reached the 29,032 feet peak on Thursday, May 12, after a gruelling 40-day journey.

By achieving the feat, he said he hoped he inspired others.

"I did not know that I would make it this far with my old age and my weak knees, but I pushed myself to the next level. Africans should know that this space exists for them too. "

He praised those who believed in his bid to climb Everest.

"We celebrate and congratulate him on this amazing feat," the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi said.

Kagamb climbed the world's highest mountain through the Chinese route - Qomolangma.

Kagambi, who is the founder and owner of KG Mountain Expeditions, summited with Full Circle, a group of Black climbers and mountaineers.

The retired teacher joined National Outdoor Leadership School as a field instructor in 1987.

He has been a backpacking, climbing and mountaineering instructor in Africa, Chile and the United States.

Kagambi has climbed three of the world's seven highest Summits and in 1992, he represented Africa in the UN Peace Climb for the world on the Eiger, Switzerland.

He was among five climbers to reach Mt. Kenya's Batian peak on December 12, 2013.

He hoisted the Kenyan flag to mark 50 years of Independence.