Mother of eight who studies with boys young enough to be her sons

Sarah Chepketer, a Form Four student at Kurgung Secondary School in Mosop, Nandi County (third right), with Deputy Principal Taboi Griffins and other students at the school. Below: Chepketer sits mid-term examinations.[PHOTOS: Peter Ochieng/standard]

She stands out among the teenage boys sitting a mid-term Chemistry exam at Kurgung Boys Secondary School.

But 45-year-old Sarah Chepketer’s eyes are fixed on this year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, going by the message on her sweater: “Panapo nia Pana njia” (where there is a will, there is a way).

Her presence in the boys’ school has continued to marvel locals and those visiting the boarding institution for the first time.

Chepketer is a private registered student, who will sit the national examinations among others enrolled for adult education at Kapsereton station.

Hers is a story of a woman who refused to give up in her lowest moments and persevered until she got an opportunity to fulfill her dream.

Her dream of getting an education was briefly cut short in 1987 while in Standard Seven, when her mother died. She had to shelve her ambitions to take care of her seven siblings. However, she never lost hope that one day she would go back to school.

Life for the mother of eight and also a grandmother has been hard. At one time, she had to become the breadwinner after her husband abandoned her.

But four years ago, she enrolled for adult education lessons. “I used to believe that education was the only way to beat poverty and be successful in life. When my mother died, the future was bleak then, “ she said.

Chepketer’s lucky star began shinning last year after successfully enrolling at Kurgung Boys in Form Three.

“I enrolled for adult education four years. When I set out to look for a secondary school, most institutions turned down my request because I was poor and I was frustrated, “ she said.

Asked why she preferred a boys’ school to a girls’ school, especially the nearby Tulwo Girls, she said: “It is easy to relate with boys unlike girls who tend to exhibit discriminatory traits, especially when studying with an elderly person like me.”

 Veterinary Officer

As a day scholar, Chepketer, who is commonly referred to as ‘mathe’, has to navigate between family and education.

“I always wake up early to prepare breakfast for my children, who go to nearby schools. I also have to prepare myself early since I have to be in classroom by 8am,” she added.

Chepketer also doubles up as a midwife and a herbalist. “The money I get from the venture goes to my children’s school fees,” she said.

She said she wanted to become a veterinary officer.

Chepketer sought a ward seat in the 2013 General Election but was ineligible as she did not meet some requirements.

Sammy Koech, Chepketer’s classmate in Form Four East, heaped praises on her, saying her presence at the school had changed their perspective about life. He added she was very active in class.

“We are proud of her because of her discipline and advice to us. We even appointed her to be our peer counsellor,” said Koech, who is also the school’s secretary general.

Edward Too, her Maths teacher, said her performance was exemplary. “She has thirst for education. Interesting enough, there are some sums which she tackles better than the other students,” he noted.

Deputy Principal Griffins Taboi said they gave her admission because they saw potential in her despite life challenges. “At first, it was difficult but we later thought it wise to give her a platform, where we can shape her education journey so that she can continue being productive in life, “he said.