A 15-year-old orphaned boy who sat for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams in 2018 at Tilak Primary School in Kapenguria ward, West Pokot County and scored 347 marks has resorted to selling roasted maize on the streets of Kapenguria town. The boy, David Purisaro, stays with his grandmother, a widow, who also roasts maize.
Purisaro who stays at Mawingo Road slums in Makutano said that he has lost hope of joining his dream school Chepkorinisyo Boys High school after looking in vain for the desired support to cater for his fees and other needs. “I hope to go to school so that I can help my grandmother who lives with me but is unable to pay the fees. All my friends have joined Form One yet I’m roasting maize,” he said, adding that the lack of money prompted him to join his grandmother in the trade. Purisaro, who dreams of becoming an engineer, has appealed to well wishers to come to his aid. His grandmother, Judith Anyango, affirmed that he is disciplined and if he gets a sponsorship his dreams will be fulfilled. His primary school headteacher Mr. Vincent Onege said that they allowed him to continue with his studies for free because he was bright but comes form a poor background.