Turkana Bcom Student to pursue his dream after KCSE Certificate bail out

The founder of Mount Kenya University Prof.Simon Gicharu(Right) hands over KCSE certificates after paying accrued fee arrears for Turkana Student Peter Ekeno John(Left) formerly from Alliance High School who was to pursue Bachelor of commerce at Laikipia University,looking on is Michael Ekai Aremon(Centre) Chairman Turkana Professionals. [Photo: Wilberforce Okwiri/Standard]

For the past five years, Peter Ekono has been unable to join university because his former school, Alliance High School, withheld his certificates.

Ekono, who scored a B+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination (KCSE) examinations of 2013, owed Alliance Sh77,800 in fee arrears.

However, Mount Kenya University founder Simon Gicharu heard about his plight and cleared the arrears.

Former Alliance High School students, including Michael Ekai Aremon, highlighted Ekono's plight on social media, and this attracted the attention of Dr Gicharu.

While handing over the KCSE certificate to Ekono at a hotel in Nairobi on Monday, Gicharu said it was unfortunate that many bright students were suffering due to poverty.

Bright students

“It is unfortunate that such bright minds are wasted. I call upon Kenyans with something little to offer to help such bright children,” he said.

Ekono had won placement at Laikipia University in 2014 to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree, but failed to report due to lack of documents.

He lost the slot. Ekeno said he resolved to become a boda boda operator to make ends meet, but things became tough after he realised how unsafe the job was, especially when dealing with fellow riders.

His father, John Eguma Ekeno, tried to secure a watchman's job for him, but that also did not help much because of the meagre pay.

Ekono, who hails from Lodwar in Turkana County, said he saw his dreams fade as everyone ignored his plight.

“I could sleep hungry for days because my parents were unable to fend for everyone in the family. Drought became the bigger challenge than looking for money to clear fees," Ekono said.

"Even my appeals to Turkana leaders to help me return to school were futile. They all turned a blind eye.” 

Gicharu said he would help him secure a place at a local university.