Mary Waititu, a mother from Ngarariga, Limuru in Kiambu County, secured a Form One slot and paid school fees for a 16-year-old girl who sought employment from her.
Ann Nyongari Ngugi, a 2021 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCSE) candidate, wanted to be employed as a househelp to take care of Waititu’s toddler.
The student scored 152 marks out of 500 after sitting her exams at Milimani Primary School in Nakuru County.
“Ngugi comes from a humble background in Nakuru where she lives with her parents. She told me that she struggled to complete her education. Most of the time, she would go to school hungry, in a torn uniform and tattered shoes," narrated Ms Waititu.
“She missed school so as to help her parents make ends meet. I had to talk to the mum who verified the story.”
Ngugi’s mother said that she was unable to support her daughter’s education owing to the family's financial situation. This led her to allow her daughter to seek employment.
The girl’s mother also shared her academic and school leaving certificates signed by Milimani Primary School Principal.
“She was active in athletics. A well-behaved and disciplined girl,” the headteacher praised her.
According to Ms Waititu, Ngugi’s mother’s lamentations broke her heart. She rushed to Kamirithu Secondary School in Limuru and immediately secured a slot for the minor.
She also paid part of her school fees, less Ksh6,000 but was struggling to purchase her learning materials, uniform and other necessities.
“I told myself I could not employ her owing to her situation. It would be very wrong to subject her to being a house girl while she was ready to learn," noted Ms Waititu.
“I will have her as my daughter for four years, I'll ensure she gets education, I'll be paying her school fees and I'll be treating her right just to safeguard her from the harsh world.”
The young mother created a WhatsApp Group where well-wishers joined to assist in raising funds.
“So far I have received Ksh4,400 only. I hope many Kenyans and well-wishers can assist this beautiful girl complete her studies,” she told Kenyans.co.ke.
