Clinton Mutwiri is a young man with a bright future, but his dreams are on hold due to lack of funds. He scored an A- in the 2021 KCSE exams, ranking third in Timau Sub County, Meru. He was admitted to Kabarak University to pursue a degree in Clinical Medicine, but he could not afford the Ksh110,000 per-semester fees.
His mother, Lucy Karwitha, is a single parent who struggles to provide for her two sons. She was evicted from her home and now lives in a small rental in Syokimau, Machakos County. She does various menial jobs to make ends meet, but she could not raise enough money to send both of her sons to school. She had to sacrifice Clinton’s education so that his younger brother could continue his studies at Angaine Mixed Day Secondary School, Meru County.
Clinton, who had dropped out of school for four years before resuming his studies at Angaine Day Secondary School, did not give up on his academic goals. He worked hard and studied for long hours, sometimes sleeping for only two hours a day. He also walked for several kilometers every day to attend school, until the principal offered him a place to sleep and food at the institution.
However, after completing his secondary education, Clinton faced another challenge. He could not join Kabarak University without paying at least 40 per cent of the fees (Ksh44,000), which he did not have. He applied for a government loan, but he did not receive any response. He resorted to working as a casual laborer at construction sites (mjengo) to survive.
Clinton’s story is heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. He is one of the many talented students in Kenya who are unable to pursue higher education due to poverty. He needs help from well-wishers and the government to realize his dream of becoming a clinical officer. He hopes that one day he will be able to help his family and his community with his skills and knowledge.
by: Mochacheinspires