By Sharon Nabiye
Wycliffe Barasa Wekesa, a determined father and small-scale farmer from Tuuti Marakaru Ward, Kanduyi Constituency in Bungoma County, is facing an uphill battle to ensure his children receive the education they deserve. Despite being visually impaired for the past 25 years, Mr. Wekesa has tirelessly worked his quarter-acre farm, selling his meager harvests to cover the school fees for his child at Bungoma High School.
“I have sold everything just to settle my children’s school fees and fulfill my responsibilities as a parent,” Mr. Wekesa said amid sobs.”But my plans have fallen apart, and now my children are being sent home because of outstanding fees.”
His neighbor, Dorcas Wanyonyi, can attest to Mr. Wekesa’s unwavering commitment and the reality of their small-scale farming. While a recent contribution of Ksh. 8,000, facilitated by Hon. John Makali, was gratefully received, it falls significantly short of the remaining Ksh. 47,000 needed.
The constant disruption to his children’s education is a source of deep distress for Mr. Wekesa, who feels he has nowhere else to turn. In a heartfelt appeal, he is now reaching out to the wider community and prominent leaders and well wishers within Bungoma County, including Governor Lusaka, gubernatorial aspirants Hon. Didmus Barasa and Zechariah Barasa, for urgent assistance.
“My plea is to all kindhearted people to lend a hand to my children,” Mr. Wekesa earnestly requests. “Their education is my greatest hope for their future, and I am desperate to keep them in school.”
