by Harold Ayodo

His dream of becoming a doctor was born in the depth of grief 12 years ago.

His family was kicked out of their home in Molo in 1997 before arsonists set it on fire. His mother became sick three years later forcing her to be bedridden.

Even as he nursed his mother, a vegetable vendor, he still found time to not only sit KCPE but also pass the examination. "I sold paper bags at Sh10 each at Ndundori market to support my mother," Mugi says.

As he watched his mother’s health deteriorate because of lack of treatment Simon Mugi vowed to become a doctor so that he could help the poor.

He scored 343 marks of 500 in KCPE at Mwiruti Primary School but cut short his education over lack of fees. "Although I passed the examination I could not continue with school because of lack of school fees," he says.

He lived with an aunt for a while before she took him and his two brothers to Christ Our Refuge Children’s’ Home, Nairobi, in 2001.

Mugi had all but given up on life when staff of Farmer’ Choice visited the orphanage seven years ago. The visit turned his life around. "When they heard my story they pledged to pay my fees, he says.

He repeated Standard Seven at Ndi-ini Primary in Kahawa and was the best KCPE candidate scoring 402 of 500 marks in the examination. He went to Kagumo Secondary School and scored a grade of A in KCSE.

Today, Mugi, 21, is a medicine student at Kenyatta University.

"I am happy because 1 am on the verge of achieving my dream of becoming a doctor so that I can prevent the deaths of the poor who cannot access treatment like my late mother," he says.

As he continues to excel in hi studies Farmer’s Choice support has never wavered. "Officials from the company call me every week to find out how I am doing what my needs are," he says.