Joakim Mwangi, popularly known as Katuosis the trucking guy, has risen from humble beginnings in Kiambu County to become both an internet sensation and a real-life inspiration. A US-based Kenyan truck driver, Mwangi has captured global admiration not just for his career choice but also for his resilience in overcoming challenges tied to his short stature. With nearly two million likes and over 230,000 followers on TikTok, he is proof that determination and self-acceptance can fuel extraordinary achievements.
Mwangi’s journey has not been an easy one. Growing up shorter than his peers, he faced stigma and discrimination. However, his grandmother’s constant encouragement instilled in him the confidence to embrace his uniqueness. After completing high school, he briefly worked menial jobs before securing a scholarship through Focus Youth Initiative, where he studied media. In 2013, alongside three friends, he co-founded the Short Stature Society of Kenya (SSSK), an organization now boasting over 1,000 members that champions the rights of people living with dwarfism.
His big break came when he relocated to the United States. Mwangi’s early years in America involved odd jobs such as working at a gas station and as a telemarketer. However, his love for driving pushed him toward truck driving, a career many thought impossible for him. Using customized pedals to match his height, Mwangi persisted despite failing the driving test three times. On his fourth attempt, he earned his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), setting the stage for his trucking career.
Today, Mwangi drives 18-wheelers across the United States, covering thousands of miles weekly from the West Coast to the East Coast. While some clients initially doubt his capability, his professionalism and skill quickly earn their respect. His work is not only rewarding—earning him up to KSh1.1 million monthly—but also symbolic of his mantra: “Nothing is too big.”
Beyond his career, Mwangi remains committed to advocacy. As president of both the SSSK and the Little People of Africa Foundation, he continues to champion inclusion and equal opportunities for people with dwarfism. His life story resonates with countless individuals who struggle with self-esteem, proving that physical limitations need not define one’s destiny.
In the end, Joakim Mwangi is more than just a truck driver—he is a symbol of perseverance, courage, and hope. His story inspires others to embrace who they are, dream boldly, and never let society’s prejudices limit their ambitions.
