ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has offered a stranded 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) student a four-year scholarship after his post asking for financial aid went viral on social media.
On Wednesday, Owalo, in the company of the student David Odhiambo and his parents, visited Maseno School, where he paid Ksh98,625 Form One fee.
The money will cover Odhiambo's tuition, boarding and uniform charges.
Owalo indicated that he was touched by Odhiambo's story, given that he scored 399 marks in the 2022 KCPE exams and took to social media to beg well-wishers to sponsor his education.
In the viral poster shared on Facebook during the festivities, the student noted that he was going to miss an opportunity to study at the National School owing to their financial struggles at home.
According to Odhiambo, the father is a casual labourer, while the mother is unemployed.
“In our view, education is a catalyst for transformative change, both at the personal and societal levels. Within the Eliud Owalo Foundation, we believe in its unparalleled power to shape a better future.
"Education stands as the great equalizer, breaking down barriers and levelling the playing field, regardless of one’s age, circumstances, or socio-economic status," the CS stated.
On the other hand, the KCPE student was also offered Ksh6,000 as pocket money for the whole year.
"In addition, the Foundation provided seed capital of Ksh50,000 for Muga’s mother to start a business that will augment the family’s finances," Owalo stated.
On his part, the 399-marks students thanked the CS for intervening and taking him to school ahead of the Form One reporting dates set for January 15.
He also expressed that he would take advantage of the opportunity granted to him, noting that he aspires to become a neurosurgeon in future.
