Benefactors pay fees for students after ‘Nation’ highlighted their plight
What you need to know:
- Two other students from Nyamira can now smile after well-wishers came to their aid.
- Two boys from Narok South are now herding cattle after parents failed to raise fees to join national schools.
A number of Kenyans have offered to support bright but needy students whose plight was highlighted by Saturday Nation last week.
June Mukami from Meru County reported to school this week after a well-wisher, Mrs Karambu Kailemia, offered to pay for her secondary education at Kangeta Girls High School.
Mukami, 14, from Muthara in Tigania East Sub-County, whose parents are sickly and separated was the top candidate at Muthara Primary in last year’s KCPE exams scoring 331 marks.
“I learnt of Mukami’s plight through Saturday Nation. It pains me to see a life wasted for lack of fees. I hope to support Mukami’s education through university,” she added.
Mukami wants to become a doctor and said her dream has been ignited. A social media campaign also raised Sh17,000 for her.
Mr Martin Baiyenia launched the campaign and said: “This is an indication that the mainstream and social media have power to transform lives. It is so inspiring to have all sorts of people support Mukami achieve her dream.”
Two other students from Nyamira can now smile after well-wishers came to their aid. Nehemiah Onchiri secured admission at Nakuru High School after Nyamaiya ward representative Raban Masira organised a fundraiser which realised Sh40,000.
However, his mother, Concepta Onchiri told Saturday Nation on Friday she was still worried because the money is not enough. She needs at least Sh80,000 for the year.
“I am a widow and I don’t have any source of income. I appeal to more well-wishers to assist us,” she said.
Dominic Nyabuti Ong’era also secured admission to Mang’u High School after a Nyamira politician Fred Makara donated Sh80,000. At least Sh100,000 is required.
“I am asking other well-wishers, especially those entrusted with bursary kitties to help,” Mr Makamara said.
Orphan John Kyalo scored 367 marks and was admitted to Kenyatta High School, Mwatate. His sister cannot raise the Sh47,000 he needs.
A good Samaritan has promised to pay for the fees for Vincent Mutira to attend Miritini Secondary.
His mother, Alice Nangila, is ailing.
Fifteen-year-old Sahale Yakub has also received sponsorship.
Inquiries have also been made about Peter Muriithi Kobia who was to join Lenana High. He scored 348 marks. However, by Friday, there was still no firm commitment from any well-wisher.
Other students Kenyans are willing to sponsor include Mercy Cherotich, Onchiru Nyamota Nehemiah and Lawrence Motanya. However, the sponsors asked for anonymity.
Emmanuel Ondieki, who scored 373 marks at Nyanturago Primary School in Kisii was admitted to Nairobi School but could not raise Sh88,000.
Those yet to get sponsors include, Nduyo Romano, Kithinji Doreen Kathomi, Lawrence Kirea, Alex Muthomi Mwathi, Brian Mdoma, Emaculate Atieno, Bernard Oluoch, Faith Chemwei, Dickens Oluoch, Valencia Bianyo, Elias Barsumei, Bethwel Wandera and Gilbert Koech.
Two boys from Narok South are now herding cattle after parents failed to raise fees to join national schools.
Allan Silantoi, 16, and David Tarkash, 15, scored 407 marks and 352 marks but were unable to report to Baringo High and Oloomirani Boys.
“I can’t stand people asking me why I have not gone to school. During the first week of reporting to school I could not leave my room. I felt totally disillusioned,” he said.
Silantoi topped the sub-county after sitting Kenya Certificate of Primary Education for the second time.
In 2013, he scored 380 marks and was admitted to Mbiruri Secondary in Embu but could not raise fees. “I decided to repeat and get a sponsor,” he said.
“Now I have performed very well but still I cannot raise the school fess,” he said.
Their school head teacher Stephen Nakola says the two have the desperate option of repeating, yet again.
Reporting by Ouma Wanzala, David Muchui, Rebecca Okwany, Kalume Kazungu, Lucy Mkanyika and George Sayagie