Needy twin brothers in Bungoma County may miss a chance to pursue university education since their visually impaired mother is unable to raise the requisite tuition fees.
The siblings John Juma Mukhwana and Benson Juma Mulongo who hail from Kabuchai Constituency attended Nalondo Boys Secondary school in the County.
John Mukhwana, who scored grade A- in the 2019 KCSE exams, has been selected to join Kenyatta University to study a bachelor of education course while Benson Juma who scored grade B+, was selected to join Kisii University to study analytical chemistry.
This scenario will however remain just a pipe dream as their single mother, Peninah Juma cannot raise the required fees to see them through university.
She says that the father to the boys abandoned the family in 2011 and nobody knows his whereabouts after he cut off all communication.
“My husband took off in 2011 leaving me alone to fend for my children. To date I am unable to trace my husband’s whereabouts because he disappeared under unclear circumstances, we did not have any disagreement prior to his going,’’ Peninah said.
A deputy principal at their former school(Nalondo), Gaitano Wafubwa told KNA that the boys were very bright and disciplined while in school hence the school after considering their family background allowed them attend classes for free with their teachers chipping in from time to time to provide for their basics.
The duo has already received admission letters to join the respective universities by 14th September for the one joining Kisii University and a later date for the Kenyatta University one.
Teacher Wafubwa is pleading with well-wishers and the County government to come in and sponsor the brothers so that the boy’s future does not go down in ruins.
Bungoma County government has responded with a Sh30,000 initial installment for Benson Juma whose classes begin coming Monday.
The money was handed to the family by Mr. Denson Barasa, Chief Officer for Public Administration. He appealed to other well-wishers to come to the needy family’s rescue.
One of the twins Benson Juma will initially embark on his studies virtually until the government re-opens institutions of higher learning for students to attend classes physically at an unknown date.
Mrs. Juma lauded Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati for making the first step adding that she was still worried about her other son John Juma missing out on his chance to join Kenyatta University when time comes and made a passionate appeal to more well-wishers and leaders to come to his rescue.
Both John and Benson tearfully promised to work hard if given a chance to pursue their dreams so that they can assist their poor mother and other siblings and serve humanity.
By Roseland Lumwamu
