David Odhiambo Muga,14, who took to social media to appeal for help from well-wishers to raise school fees has had his prayers answered.
The student from East Asembo village in Rarieda constituency, Siaya county scored 399 marks in last year's Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination and got admission to Maseno School.
However, David's parents, who are peasant farmers could not afford to raise the school fees.
With the help of a neighbour, he took to social media to seek for help.
In the post that went viral, David was photographed carrying a placard bearing the message: "I scored 399 in the 2023 KCPE and secured a chance at the Maseno School but due to my parents' financial status, I might not join secondary school."
His plight caught the attention of ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo.
Through Eliud Owalo Foundation, the CS has offered the student a four-year scholarship.
"I learnt of the plight of this young boy through social media and I was really touched. It's no mean achievement for a boy to get admission to Maseno School so I felt the boy had actually done his part by attaining the requisite marks," Owalo said.
He spoke in Maseno School when he went to hand over a banker's cheque worth Sh98,654 for the full-year school fees.
He emphasized the value of education especially among children from humble backgrounds.
"In our view, education is a catalyst for transformative change, both at the personal and societal levels. Within the Eliud Owalo Foundation, we believe in its unparalleled power to shape a better future. Education stands as the great equalizer, breaking down barriers and leveling the playing field, regardless of one's age, circumstances, or socio-economic status." He stated.
The school's principal Peter Owino said the money covers school fees, development fees, parental support to the child of Sh2,000 per term, uniforms, games kits, a mattress and other consumables for one year.
David was accompanied to the school by his parents Ruth Addah Agola and Joseph Muga Owera and East Asembo sub location assistant chief Agnes Otieno who was tasked by the CS to trace the student and establish whether his case was genuine.
Ms Agola who was overwhelmed with joy thanked Owalo and described his gesture as a miracle.
"I thank God for today. Truly if you believe in God, nothing is impossible, I had nowhere to go to, I have been praying for God's intervention and surely he has answered my prayers. I'm praying for CS Owalo so that he can continue to support many others who are in a similar situation," she said.
David who aspires to be a neurosurgeon promised to work hard in school.
"I thank the CS for offering to pay my school fees. I'm going to do my best in class. I want to be a neurosurgeon," he said.
