Boy featured in ‘The Standard’ gets assistance

By Stephen Makabila

Readers of The Standard have responded to Wednesday’s story highlighting the plight of brilliant boy.

Callers jammed The Standard offices, with individuals expressing willingness to help Simon Iten Lekol join Nakuru High School.

Lekol was the best boy in last year’s Kenya Certificate of Primary Education in Malaba township with 398 marks.

He had been selected to join Nakuru High School but could not raise the fees.

Ronald Ndegwa of Magadi Soda called yesterday to say he would like to help Lekol.

Norman Kiogora from Meru said he was moved by the dilemma Lekol was in and promised to help.

Mr Kiogora has arranged to fly to Kisumu on Monday and meet Lekol and the headmaster of Malaba Township Primary, Mr Vincent Okou.

Other callers who pledged help include a Ms Jacinta and Ms Mercy, both from Nairobi. "I was touched by the story of Lekol," said Mercy.

The callers have been introduced to Mr Okou to co-ordinate efforts to help. Two months after Form Ones started learning, Lekol, 14, reports to his former primary school every morning, hoping for help.

"I have a single parent in Lokichoggio, Turkana District. She cannot even feed my other four siblings who no longer go to school," said Lekol, a firstborn.

Lekol scored two As, two A-minuses and a B-plus in last year’s KCPE.

In Teso, Lekol stays with a cousin who cannot cater for his school needs.

Mr Okou told The Standard Lekol was a hardworking and disciplined boy, with a burning desire for education.