It is a dream come true for 26-year-old ex-convict Juma Nyasi.
As he walked proudly to the dais to receive his secondary school scholarship, he knew he could finally become a marine engineer.
Juma, who sat his 2021 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education at the Manyani Maximum Security Prison, is a free man.
He scored 401 marks and became one of the top students countrywide who sat their exams in correctional facilities.
He was serving a life sentence in Manyani after he was convicted of sexually assaulting a three-year-old boy. He had denied the charges.
Juma was acquitted by the Voi High Court after a successful appeal.
“It is a happy moment for me because I have an opportunity to go back to school and actualise my dreams,” Nyasi told the Star during an interview at county headquarters in Mwatate on Monday.
Nyasi is now set to join Ikutha Boys in Kitui county. He is among 100 needy Form 1 students who were awarded scholarships by the Taita Taveta county government.
It was the second time Nyasi sat the KCPE exam. He first sat his national examination in 2009 and later joined Marungu Secondary School in Voi subcounty. He dropped out two years later for lack of school fees
"I dropped out of secondary school in 2011 after my sponsor died. I have always wanted to go back to school," he said.
After leaving school, the young man started doing casual jobs at his Kale village, hoping to raise money and go back to school.
He was accused of committing the offence in the village and sentenced to life imprisonment.
During his two-year stay in prison, Nyasi said he kept hoping that one day he would get out and pursue his dreams.
Nyasi said he has forgiven those who falsely accused him.
“After the release, I opened a new chapter in my life. I have forgiven them and left it to God. Only God knows that I was innocent and did not commit the crime,” he said.
He says he is now focusing on completing his education. He hopes to inspire children from humble backgrounds who are unable to access education.
And he plans to become a marine engineer.
Nyasi thanked the county government for awarding him a full scholarship.
“This is an assurance that I will finally pick up from where I left off. I promise to excel in my education and inspire others,” a jubilant Nyasi said.
Education executive Defence Manga presided over the awarding of the 2022 scholarships at the county headquarters. He said the programme aims to promote 100 per cent transition.
“The programme will assist in a smooth transition from primary to secondary school since students from vulnerable backgrounds will benefit,” Manga said.
She said beneficiaries were selected after a rigorous vetting process whereby the winners were chosen on merit
The Sh15 million programme, she said, is a game changer for bright and needy students and Nyasi is an inspiration to all.
(Edited by V. Graham)
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