Pastor Sammy Simiyu from Khalala village in Sitikho Ward, Webuye West Constituency, has voiced concern over the worsening educational crisis affecting students due to a lack of government funding for free primary education. The pastor, speaking to the media after receiving support from philanthropist Mr. Humphrey Muchuma, to aid the fees of a form four student who had not opened school due to lack of fees urged the government to prioritize education funding and ensure timely disbursements of capitation grants.
The lack of financial support has led many schools to send students home, asking them to raise fees, which is leaving those who rely on county government bursaries and NG-CDF (National Government Constituencies Development Fund) vulnerable. Pastor Simiyu explained that the situation has had serious negative consequences for many students in his area. Boys are increasingly turning to work as cane loaders, while girls face the risk of early pregnancies due to lack of hope in their future prospects.
Pastor Simiyu expressed his deep concern, saying, “As we speak, many students are at home. Many of us are sugarcane farmers, and we risk losing our boys to the sugarcane fields, while girls face the danger of early pregnancies. A lasting solution is urgently needed to address this issue. These students come from poor families who rely on bursaries or the generosity of well-wishers. I must commend Mr. Humphrey Muchuma for stepping in to help students like Modester Khaemba, a girl who hadn’t opened school due to an outstanding fee balance of Ksh 20,800. Thanks to his support, Modester can now attend class.”
Pastor Simiyu’s sentiments were echoed by Mama Jackline Kituyi, who also applauded Mr. Muchuma’s assistance. However, she raised concerns about the increasing number of students staying home, as schools demand full payment before students can resume learning. This, she argued, could derail national initiatives aimed at combating early pregnancies and drug abuse among students, particularly in sugarcane-growing regions like Sitikho.
“We need more donors to step in and support these students, whose academic futures are at risk due to financial barriers,” she said.
Mr. Muchocho Emmanuel Wafula, who represented Mr. Humphrey Muchuma, confirmed that efforts to help disadvantaged students in the community are ongoing. “We are committed to supporting the less privileged in our society,” Wafula said. “After Mr. Muchuma learned about Modester Khaemba’s situation—raised by a single parent—he immediately stepped in to cover her school fees. To date, Mr. Muchuma has helped more than 20 students in Sitikho by paying outstanding fees and arrears.”
Mr. Wafula also urged beneficiaries of the support to work hard and excel in their studies, as Mr. Muchuma plans to continue sponsoring them until they achieve their dreams.
Modester Khaemba herself expressed her gratitude to Mr. Muchuma for the opportunity to return to school, and vowed to work hard to repay the kindness shown to her. “I will do my best to make sure I succeed, and in the future, I hope to help others as well,” she said. Her father, Mr. Andrew Khaemba, added a heartfelt message of encouragement. “My daughter, you have been given a rare opportunity, and I urge you to work harder than ever before. Make us proud. You now have no excuse not to succeed,” he advised.
