The government and well-wishers have come to the rescue of a needy form one student who opted to repeat class eight after her parents failed to raise school fees to enable him join Kisumu Boys School.
Adrian Momanyi, 14 who scored 369 marks and whose story was raised in social media had last week walked back to his former school-Rabuor Primary, ready to repeat Standard 8 after nearly two months of frantic efforts by his mother to raise secondary school fees.
After learning about Adrian, Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu directed ministry officials and the Principal of Kisumu Boys School to ensure that the student is admitted immediately.
Nyanza Regional Director of Education Nelson Sifuna who received the student at the school said the government has taken care of all the boarding needs and learning materials to ensure that he embarks on his studies uninterrupted.
“When the minister got this information, he got in touch with field officers and I am happy to report that the boy is already in school. He has been given uniforms, books and other learning materials,” he said.
He added,” Other well-wishers besides the government, having been touched by the student’s plight, have committed to take care of his school fees and other requirements.”
An anonymous donor deposited Sh53, 000 on the school’s account while another based in the United States has committed to pay all the fees for the four years.
Momanyi’s case, he said, was a clear indicator that some students were yet to report to school due to financial constraints.
“The biggest challenge we have is that this information does not reach our offices. Let us get the information and the government and Kenyans will ensure that these students are in class,” he said.
So far 97% of students admitted to form one in the area have reported to school.
He directed Principals to take stock of all students who received admission letters but were yet to report to their respective schools so that they are traced and assisted.
“I am also appealing to our head teachers in primary to identify the students who have not reported to form one so that they are taken to school. Be informed that basic education from nursery to form four is compulsory and it is important that one goes through before going to any other learning institution,” he said.
Part of the donations received to support Momanyi, he said, will be shared with other needy students who have been admitted at the school.
“Already this school has admitted four students who just walked in without anything. Therefore, the education officers and the school board of management will sit and transfer the extra fees received on Momanyi’s account to other needy cases,” he said.
Momanyi who had lost hope of joining Form one thanked the government and well-wishers for supporting him promising to work hard to post good grades.
“I want to thank the government, Kisumu Boys fraternity and all the well-wishers who have come to my rescue. I promise not to disappoint you,” he said.
His mother, who sells french fries, said she had lost hope in taking her son to school, thanking the government and well-wishers for coming to her rescue.
By Chris Mahandara
