Financial Hardship Threatens Education Dreams of 15-Year-Old Kenyan Student

By Wasike Elvis 
For many students across Kenya, education represents hope, opportunity, and a path out of poverty. For John Ndungu, a 15-year-old student from Kiambaa, Uasin Gishu County that hope is under serious threat. Despite performing well in school and holding strong ambitions for the future, financial hardship and family responsibilities have made continuing his education an uphill struggle.

John began his education at Kiamba Primary School, where teachers recognized him as a hardworking and disciplined learner. He later joined Kiambaa Junior Secondary School, where he completed Grade 9. Though he faced repeated disruptions to his schooling, John managed to score 54 marks out of 72, a commendable result that reflects both academic ability and resilience.

“I was supposed to be in Grade 9, and I was in Grade 9,” John said, emphasizing that despite confusion and interruptions in his schooling journey, he remained focused on his studies. “I had a hard time going to school because there was no money.”

John’s challenges extend far beyond the classroom. His younger sister, Joy Wairimo, lives with severe mobility difficulties and requires constant care. Because of her condition, John often stays at home to help his mother with daily responsibilities, including caregiving and household tasks. This responsibility has limited his ability to seek casual work to raise money for school fees.

“I couldn’t go to work because my sister was sick,” John explained. “I couldn’t leave her alone, so I had to help at home.”

At times, John has accompanied his mother to informal jobs, locally known as kibarua, in an effort to earn small amounts of money to buy food, transport, or medical supplies such as diapers for his sister. These efforts have helped the family survive, but they have not been enough to cover school-related expenses.

John was later admitted to Samoei Boys School in Nandi County, a significant achievement that brought both joy and worry to the family. The school is located far from Kiambaa, and the cost of transport, school fees, and basic requirements made it impossible for him to report.

“I was very happy that I was able to go to school,” John said. “But I also knew my parents could not afford it.”

His mother, Mary Wanjeru, described the situation as heartbreaking.

“My son wants to study, but I cannot take him to school,” she said. “The distance is far, and I don’t have the money. His education has been very difficult.”

Mary is a single mother struggling to support her family while also caring for her daughter Joy, whose mobility challenges require ongoing attention. She expressed concern that without outside assistance, John’s future may be permanently altered.

“I am asking for help,” she said. “If someone can support my son, he can continue his studies and help this family in the future.”

Despite the obstacles, John remains hopeful and deeply motivated. He dreams of becoming a doctor, inspired by the illness and suffering he has witnessed at home and in his community.

“I want to be a doctor so that I can help others,” he said. “Even if I grow up and help other students who cannot afford school, I will be happy.”

John believes that education is not only a personal goal but also a responsibility.

“School will help me change the way we live here at home,” he said. “It will be a big part of my life.”

As John approaches his 16th birthday, time is running out. Without financial assistance, his chance to continue secondary education may be lost. His story reflects the struggles faced by many Kenyan families where poverty, illness, and distance combine to block access to education—even for capable and determined students.

The family is appealing to well-wishers, community leaders, churches, NGOs, and education sponsors to help ensure that John Ndungu is able to return to school and pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.