Nancy Musungu, a recent graduate of Nangina Girls High School in Busia County, finds herself in a challenging situation. Having completed her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2022 with a C+ grade, Nancy is unable to collect her certificates due to unpaid school fees totaling KSh 108,585.
In a heartfelt interview, Nancy shared her struggle: “I have a balance of KSh 108,585 and when I followed up, I was told to do a fundraiser.” Her troubles are not new; they date back to her time at Sikariria Primary School, where she scored 320 marks in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).
Nancy’s journey through secondary school was marked by financial hardships. Her mother recounted how a well-wisher had initially promised to cover Nancy’s school fees but only managed to pay for the first year before disappearing. “A generous person came forward and said they would sponsor her until she finished Form Four, but they only paid for the first and second terms, then vanished,” said Nancy’s mother, Gaudensia.
Despite the financial difficulties, Nancy persevered and completed her secondary education. After finishing school, she sought work in Nairobi as a housemaid, but after four months without pay, she returned home. Now, the Musungu family, living off daily labor, faces the fear that Nancy’s four years of hard work might go to waste if they can’t find someone to help clear the outstanding fees.
Nancy’s father, who is mentally handicapped, is unable to provide for the family, leaving Nancy and her mother to fend for themselves. Nancy’s plea is simple but urgent: “Anyone who hears me speaking this way, please help me so that I can continue with my education. I wish to reach a point where I can change my family’s situation. If I continue to sit here, I don’t see how we can help each other,” she expressed, her voice filled with both hope and despair.
