Female KCPE star gets admission to Lenana, a boys' school

Gloria Adhiambo. She was placed to join Lenana School, a boys' school. [Courtesy]

When she scored 389 marks in last year's Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams, the family of Gloria Adhiambo was hoping that she would secure admission to her dream national school.

Adhiambo was the top pupil at Nyalgunga Primary School in Alego-Usonga sub-county.

However, the joy was short-lived and the family has been thrown into a state of confusion after the bright girl was placed to join Lenana School, a boys' school.

Adhiambo, who spoke to The Standard at their home in Nyalgunga trading centre, said she received placement to the national boys' school.

The 14-year-old, who is now stranded, said she had selected several national schools including Alliance, Starehe Girls, and Kisumu Girls.

"It has not been easy to get another calling letter despite the efforts we have made," claimed Adhiambo.

Adhiambo, whose dream school is Kisumu Girls, said her parents are unable to raise school fees for secondary education.

"I am pleading to the government and any well-wisher to help me join Kisumu Girls to pursue my goal of becoming a medical doctor," she said.

Her mother, Margaret Awuor, said they applied for scholarships such as Wings to Fly, KCB, and Elimu scholarships but were not successful.

Awuor further said that they lacked the knowledge on what to do to resolve the mix-up in Form One placement.

"We are appealing to the Ministry of Education to correct the mistake and well-wishers to consider supporting my daughter to continue with her education," she said.

Elsewhere, Joseph Odhiambo, a former pupil at Atilili Primary School in Bondo sub-county risks losing his chance at Kisii High School due to lack of school fees.

Odhiambo, who scored 396 marks, is now appealing for help to pursue secondary education.

"My mother, who is also a single parent is not in a position to pay for my school fees because she is currently admitted at Bondo sub-county hospital," said Odhiambo.