As students who have just completed the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) are gaining admission to join Form One, a number of students are currently facing financial hardship to gain admission into various secondary schools where they have acquired slots.
Such is the story of Akuwan Arupe who, despite scoring 329 marks in KCPE, could not raise the required money to join Form One.
Arupe, who has shown interest in education, showed up for her Form One admission at AIC Moi Girls in Maralal, Samburu County, with only a pen and a bag.
She also had to wear her primary school uniform and worn-out slippers as she waited for clearance.
She was accompanied by her auntie, Mary Ebenyo.
“She is the only girl and I hope that can change the beliefs and perceptions of villagers in Suguta Valley. She has been staying with me since she left Suguta Valley. I have accompanied her today empty-handed. We are destitute. Her parents are extremely poor. I hope she gets admitted,” her auntie begged.
The young girl claimed that they had covered 173 kilometers from Suguta Valley in Samburu North to Maralal as she sought to gain admission.
She claimed that her family had no option but to consider her getting married since they could not raise the required money to join Form One.
However, the school principal, Alice Gituro, came to her rescue and waived her school fees. “We have admitted her with the hope she gets a well-wisher to help her. She looks like a determined girl to change her situation at home,” Gituro, who also provided school uniforms and a mattress for the young girl, noted.
