A bright and needy student who became an internet sensation after offering the headteacher his mother's cockerel as school fees, has received help.
Matthew Simiyu went to Holy Trinity Secondary School in Saboti, Trans Nzoia County, carrying a cockerel valued at Ksh1,000 representing 3% of the Ksh34,000 school fees.
The school accepted the cockerel despite the Ksh33,000 shortfall of the requisite amount.
“When I arrived, my school head asked me to bring anything to cater for my education and I had no option but to bring my mother’s cockerel,” he stated.
Simuyu further disclosed that he relied on other students to get basic necessities such as uniform and learning materials.
"I’m focused to achieve my academic goals so as to help my mother and family in the future,” he said.
His plea caught the attention of Saboti Member of Parliament, Caleb Amisi, who has since offered to cater for his (Simiyu's) entire secondary school fees.
"I have personally cleared Mathew Simiyu Butukhu's school fees at Holy Trinity Boys, Saboti and I will support him until he completes his secondary school," Amisi stated.
In a statement on his Facebook page, Amisi acknowledged that he also received help to secure a place at Starehe Boys Centre.
"It is a story of many out there but we must keep in mind education is the greatest equaliser in any society, it makes us dine with the sons and daughters of the high and mighty," he added.
Meanwhile, a student who was also willing to sell her kidney to raise secondary school fees, has received help.
Marriet Achieng, a partial orphan from Kipsongo Slums in Kitale, scored a total of 404 marks and secured admission at St Mary's Girls Bomet.
She has since received a scholarship from Joseph Pepela Foundation.
