Student Treks Over 70 Kilometres in Desperate Quest to Raise School Fees

By Wasike Elvis 

A heart-wrenching story of resilience and determination has emerged from Chepsirei village in Keiyo South Constituency, Elgeiyo Marakwet County, where a young girl walked for more than 70 kilometres in search of help to pursue her education.

Victorine Jepchumba, a bright and determined student from a humble background, embarked on a long and exhausting journey on foot from her rural home to Eldoret town, hoping to find wellwishers who could help her raise school fees and enable her to join her dream school, Segero Adventist National School in Uasin Gishu County.

Jepchumba, who comes from a single-parent household, says her family’s financial situation left her with no option but to walk. Her mother could not afford her school fees or even transport money to get her to school.

“I made the decision to trek from home because my parents cannot afford the fees or transport. I am requesting the intervention of the government or any wellwisher to help me join my dream school and achieve my dreams,” Jepchumba said, fighting back tears.

She began her journey at exactly 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, armed with nothing but faith, hope, and an old box that contained only a few personal items, including sanitary pads. She had no lunch, no money for transport, and no certainty of help—only determination.

Despite the daunting journey, Jepchumba pressed on, walking for hours through the cold morning and scorching afternoon sun. Along the way, her parents could only provide a small amount of money to cater for minimal lunch expenses, which quickly ran out.

Her story touched the hearts of residents in Eldoret after she was spotted at a bus stage carrying the old box. Locals, including matatu operators and passersby, were moved by her resilience and unwavering belief that she would be admitted to school “by faith.”

“I saw the girl with an old box, and she insisted that by faith she would be admitted to school. I urge Kenyans of goodwill to help her achieve her dream of becoming a lawyer. There is no point in her staying at home,” said a matatu driver who assisted her.

Wellwishers in Eldoret contributed money that enabled Jepchumba to buy a school uniform and a few basic personal items before she continued with her journey to Segero Adventist National School, which is located about 50 kilometres from Eldoret town.

Jepchumba is a former pupil of Chepsirei Primary School in Keiyo South, where she posted an impressive performance of 44 points in her national examinations. Her results earned her a calling letter to Segero SDA High School, a moment she describes as one of the happiest in her life.

“When I received the calling letter, I was so happy because I had worked hard. Joining Segero has always been my dream,” she said.

However, her joy was short-lived as reality set in. The total school fees at Segero Adventist National School amount to approximately KSh 100,000 annually. She is required to pay KSh 62,200 for the first term, KSh 33,825 for the second term, and KSh 18,975 for the third term—an amount far beyond her family’s means.

Now, her dream of becoming a lawyer hangs in the balance.

“The situation at home is very dire. My parents have nothing. I only ask for help so that I can continue with my education,” Jepchumba pleaded.

Good Samaritan Isaac Kipruto Kili, who encountered the girl during her journey, confirmed the dire situation she faces.

“This girl comes from Elgeiyo Marakwet County. She is a child of a single mother and has nothing. She started walking at 3 a.m. and had no lunch until wellwishers helped her. It is painful to see such a bright girl carrying an old box with only pads inside. I urge Kenyans to assist her to pursue her education and fulfill her dream of becoming a lawyer. It is sad for her to stay at home simply because of poverty,” Kipruto said.

As Jepchumba continues to cling to hope, her story has sparked calls for intervention from the government, education stakeholders, and Kenyans of goodwill to ensure that poverty does not extinguish the dreams of a determined young girl whose only desire is to learn.

Her journey stands as a powerful reminder of the lengths some children must go to access education—and a call to action to support those whose potential risks being lost to hardship.