Murang'a county sponsored students score highly in KCSE

Murang’a county initiative sponsored student Elizaphan Karatu Irungu who garnered 82 points at Lenana School. He was one of the needy student who benefitted with scholarship programme. PHOTO: BONIFACE GIKANDI

All county sponsored students in last year's KCSE examinations have gained admission to university.

The 32 students got scholarships from county professionals working under the Murang'a County Initiative (MCI).

In the released results, Elizaphan Karatu Irungu of Lenana School got 82 points.

He had been rescued from a tea-plucking job in Mihuti.

The professionals led by Deputy Governor Gakure Monyo, Kiarie Mwaura and Moses Mwangi, joined students to celebrate the results saying they had invested heavily in education of needy students who were identified by community elders.

During the forum, the learners were cautioned against falling prey to anti-social gangs that could expose them to drugs and alcoholism.

The students promised to undertake competitive degree programmes including civil and mechanical engineering, and medicine.

They said they went through many challenges in their quest for education, as their parents could not afford to support them.

One of the students recalled how she went through four years of high school without pocket money.

The only money she had was Sh30 for fare from Kahuti to Mugoiri Girls High School.

Christine Waiyego said her parents unsuccessfully sought for scholarships from various institutions before they discovered the MCI office in Murang'a town.

"At the Kahuro deputy county commissioner's office, my mother collapsed after she learned that a neighbour had frustrated my chance to be sponsored by Equity Bank's Wings to Fly programme," she said.

Another student, Esther Mbau, narrated how despite scoring 360 marks in KCPE, she found it difficult to join Kenya High School as her father, a water vendor, could not afford the fees.

Mr Monyo advised the students not to indulge in anti-social behaviour.