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When she arrived at Butere Girls High School last week, Grace Akinyi was unsure about her future at the institution.
She walked into the school unaccompanied and without a cent for fees. An empathetic Jenifer Omondi, the school principal, admitted her on learning that she had trekked all the way from Busia.
But thanks to some benefactors, her fortunes have turned around.
In an exclusive interview with The Standard yesterday, Akinyi thanked the principal for accepting her.
Long trek
The school hit headlines last week after the girl walked over 40km with nothing save for a letter to prove she had been picked to join Form One at the institution.
“I thank God for answering my prayers. My future looks bright. I am determined to emulate my role model Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu.”
The principal revealed that the judge was the first to respond and paid her Form One fees amounting to Sh53,554.
And yesterday, it was hard to believe she was the same girl who arrived at this school thirsty, dusty and looking exhausted just a week ago.
The 15-year-old looked energised and cheerful, and said she was raring to pursue her career dream.
Akinyi said many in Nasira village thought she would, like many before her, cut short her education journey to get married.
“I want to assure you that I am going to rewrite the history of Butere Girls,” Akinyi said.
Ms Omondi thanked The Standard for highlighting Akinyi’s plight.
“When she came, she was exhausted but ready to learn. Turning away such a student would be inviting curses on yourself,” she said.
The principal said Education CS Fred Matiang’i called her and thanked her for admitting the girl.
“Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi paid Sh53,554 as her Form Two fees in advance. The money is already in the school account. The MP also paid Sh10,560 for uniform,” said Omondi.
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Harikrushna Patel, who owns Ronak Supermarket in Bungoma, has already paid Sh53,554 for her Form Three school fees. He also shopped for her last Monday.
Bertha Rotich, a former parent at the school, also did shopping for the girl.
Caroline Muthoka also shopped for her and sent Sh3,200 for two pairs of shoes. Jared Ochieng Aduol, a Nairobi businessman, sent Sh10,000 and Johannes Ogajo Sh5,000.
Today, West Kenya Sugar Company and judicial officers led by Justice Boaz Olao are expected to make their contributions at the school.
