Bright but needy pupils plead for help to join secondary

More students who excelled in last year’s Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) may not join secondary school for lack of money.

Joel Ogutu (pictured) from Nayombe village in Nambale, scored 420 marks at Kisoko Boys Primary School. He was selected to join Kabianga Secondary School, but his family has been unable to raise Sh53,000 fee required.

Ogutu took to social media to appeal to well-wishers for help. By yesterday Sh2,200 had been raised through the online campaign.

Mark Davis scored 406 marks at Lukonyi Boys Primary School in Busia and was called to join St Patrick's High School, Iten. He fears he may lose the chance for lack of fees.

Linet Night scored 340 marks at Mundika Primary School and was set to join Ahero Girls High School in Kisumu County. She is yet to get the required fees.

Linet was picked from Busia streets in October 2015 by Dorice Wako, an Administration Police officer.

The county administration says it does not have money to fund needy bright children.

According to John Mwami, who is in charge of education and vocational training, the county has not received Sh36 million meant for bursaries from the national treasury. "Without the money our programmes cannot move,” said Mwami.