Edwin Mugambi Muriungi, a fourth-year student at the Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, has explained why he opted to publicly look for a 'sponsor' rather than school fees or a job.
The 24-year-old who was filmed carrying a placard looking for a 'sponsor' became the face of ridicule online and offline with passers-by and onlookers criticizing his move.
On Friday, August 7, Mugambi stood outside the National Archives in Nairobi's CBD displaying a placard with his personal details while outlining what he was looking for.
Mugambi, a resident of Ruaka, told Kenyans.co.ke that he deferred his studies after failing to raise the requisite fees required for him to complete his schooling.
"Life has become difficult and I am unable to offset bills. My parents want to be supported, my two siblings look up to me too," he told Kenyans.co.ke.
"I have been paying school fees for my brother, a first-year student at Multimedia University."
On his placard, Mugambi indicated that he was looking for someone who would offer him affection and a lavish lifestyle.
He explained that he undertakes menial jobs besides being a sales agent but argues that the pay is way too low to cater for his needs.
"I toil for commissions," he stated. "I would rather ask for a sponsor rather than employment for I do not have my academic certificates yet."
"Employers are unsure of employing under 25-year-olds," Muriungi opined.
His brother had accompanied him to the National Archives where he recorded the whole turn of events that attracted more criticism than help.
"They (onlookers and passers-by) had to express their opinions. We understood. However, I know some of my friends who live a large life after they were introduced to this business. I am, however, proceeding with caution. I do not want to suffer from depression," the university student added.
The trend to seek help using placards has shifted over time with hundreds of individuals asking for school fees, jobs and even looking for partners.
In April 2021, an Eldoret woman identified as Lucy Chemutai went to the streets looking for a husband.
In September 2020, Zachariah Murimi, a husband to a then expectant wife and a father, stood with a placard along Uhuru Highway, Nairobi, searching for employment.
"Previously, I did stock-taking for a company in Mombasa and other manual jobs. I am also a qualified driver, only that my license expired last year. I am open to any job opportunities at the moment," Murimi stated.
