Girl who scored 358 in KCPE yet to join Form One over fees

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu addresses media during the release of the form One placement results for the 2022 KCPE Examinations candidates at the Kenya Institute for Curriculum Development, Nairobi on January 16, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

A 15-year-old girl who scored 358 marks in last year's Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exam in Kaloleni is yet to join secondary school due to lack of fees.

Josephine Faida Katana sat her exam at Birini Mwamleka Primary School and was selected to join Waa Girls Secondary School in Matuga, Kwale County.

Yesterday, Faida said her dream of becoming a doctor was dimming due to her poor background. Form One students reported to school in February.

Her parents relied on coconut farming which has been affected badly by drought.

"I have knocked on all doors of NGOs and government offices but I've not got any help," said Faida.

Her father Katana Kadenge said all her peers had joined secondary school after securing scholarships.

Faida came second in her class in the Standard Eight national exam. Her former teacher Gunga Mwalimu said he had tried to get help from the area MP and their MCA in vain.

"I appeal to well-wishers to come to the rescue of this girl," said Mwalimu.