Needy boy walks three days to get enrolled at Chebwoyet

A 14-year-old boy arrived at Chewoyet Boys’ High School on Monday morning without the requirements needed for admission.

Emmanuel Wekesa’s parents, citing financial constraints, had pleaded with him to repeat Standard 8 but he could hear none of it.

After scoring 376, he was determined to proceed with his education. On Friday, he wore his primary school uniforms and escaped from his home in Webuye without their knowledge. 

Wekesa travelled on foot to secure his place at the school. He spent sleepless nights in the cold, driven by a strong belief that his mission was possible. And on Monday, his efforts paid back. He arrived at the school, though tired and hungry. Principal Barasa Kiminisi ordered that he be given food first before he was admitted. 

“I’m the fifth born in a family of six. My elder brothers and sisters are in high school but most of the time they spend at home for lack of school fees. My parents are casual labourers and they cannot afford my school fees for now,” he said.

Wekesa said he could not repeat his KCPE exam after hearing Education CS George Magoha tell parents to ensure all children transit to high school. In a campaign meant to ensure compliance with the 100 per cent transition policy, the Ministry of Education had urged chiefs and their assistants to ensure no child is left out.

Buoyed up by the directive, the boy took the initiative to find where the school was. “I was moved by the sentiments of the professor and I decided to foot to this school. I never knew where it was but kept on asking whoever I met on the way,” he said.

The boy appealed to well-wishers for support.  “My mother washes clothes to various people on estates in Webuye and my dad does menial jobs,” he said.

He thanked the school administration for enrolling him, despite having nothing.

“The principal has called my parents to inform them that I have arrived at the school, but my parents have asked me to go back home since they cannot afford to cater for my education,” he said.

Principal Kiminisi said they were given 422 slots by the government and only 376 students had reported. He said they have adequate facilities to cater for the needs of their students but called for improvements that befit their status.