Several students in Kisauni who sat for the KCPE in 2023 are yet to join Form One due to lack of school fees.
According to Sister Agnes Nanjala of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Mombasa, the students have resorted to menial jobs and domestic work to support their families and save money for school fees.
“The children performed well in the KCPE, scoring 300 marks and above. However, most parents are low-income earners, and many are jobless. Even paying rent is a challenge,” she said.
Sister Nanjala, who is also a social worker, added that most parents have been seeking bursaries unsuccessfully.
She called upon sponsors to come to the aid of the children who now face the risk of falling into drug and substance abuse, child labor, or early marriages.
She noted that many children and parents are showing signs of depression due to their dire circumstances.
Patrick Kithi, a resident of Kashani with three children, has one child in university on a scholarship and is now seeking assistance for his daughter to join secondary school.
Leah Mwenda, who scored 279 marks in the KCPE, expressed her determination to excel academically if given the chance. “I will work hard to become a teacher,” she said.
David Tsuma from Junda, a casual laborer in construction, also shared his plight. His daughter, who scored 340 marks in the KCPE, was admitted to Friends School Kikai Girls in Bungoma but has not been admitted due to financial constraints.
“I have tried to get bursaries but have been unsuccessful. I appeal to well-wishers to sponsor my daughter’s education,” he appealed.
Kahindi Koba, a father of four, is also struggling. His son, who scored 342 marks in the KCPE, was accepted to Msambweni Secondary School but couldn’t report due to a lack of fees.
“I want my son to realize his dream of becoming a pilot,” he stated.
Emily Umazi dreams of becoming a journalist but has been unable to join secondary school this term.
“I want to continue my education to solve our challenges at home and support my siblings and community,” she said.
Well-wishers can reach Sister Nanjala at 0708059678.
