Kenyan Woman Who Scored B Plain In 2010 KCSE Finally Joins College 14 Years Later

• Jelagat Maiyo scored a B plain in her 2010 KCSE exams but couldn't pursue higher education due to financial difficulties
• Unable to join university, Maiyo turned to brewing traditional alcohol (chang'aa) to support her family, living with her grandmother while raising six children
• Keiyo South MP Gideon Maiyo learned of her situation during a constituency visit and was moved by her aspiration to pursue education, even after 14 years

It was a moment of joy and celebration for a mother of six from Elgeyo Marakwet after she finally joined a teacher's training college 14 years after she completed her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education.

Despite scoring an impressive B plain in the 2010 KCSE, Jelagat Maiyo did not go to university to pursue her dreams due to financial constraints.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Keiyo South MP Gideon Maiyo said he learnt about Maiyo's plight during a visit to her ward and her aspiration to further her studies despite all the time lost touched him.

"After lacking school fees to join university, the lady became a chang'aa brewer in the village. She is also a mum of six kids and lives with her grandmother. It was during one of my constituency tours while engaging the electorate that I learned about her plight," he said.

The MP said he was heartbroken to learn the woman now brews the traditional drink despite her brilliance.

"When I met her and asked her what kind of help she needed, the woman told me about her KCSE performance and her struggles raising university fees. She said she had to settle down and have kids after losing all hope to pursue her dreams. I talked to other neighbours who corroborated the story," he said.

After discussing this with the woman, she said she preferred to attend a teachers' college rather than get a university degree, as she wants to start teaching in two years, not four.

The MP spoke to the principal at Tambach Teachers College, who gave her a slot.

Joining Tambach Teachers' College

After 14 years, the mum of six finally walked into the college a few days ago to commence her teacher training.

"I will sort out all her school fees and support her family and children so that she can concentrate on her studies. Forteen years later, her dream is still alive. After graduation, God willing, I will get her a job," the MP said.

The lawmaker said she resonated with the woman's plight as he is also a product of other people's kindness who paid for his school fees and enabled him to reach his highest dreams.

"I put so much importance in education because it also helped me be who I am today. In my constituency, I ensure that all day-schools are free to encourage more learners to go to school," he added.

Man who defended JKIA finally joins college

TUKO.co.ke also recently reported about Henry Omondi, the young man who was seen vehemently defending the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from allegations of being sold.

He joined college weeks after his video went viral on social media.

The young man joined Ndere Vocational Training Centre in Siaya county.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke