By Kipilat Kapusya
For close to five years, Allan Wafula aged 15 has been a busy boy working as cobbler at Chelang’a gardens on the streets of Makutano Township in Kapenguria, West Pokot County.
In 2022, Wafula sat for his Kenya certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and scored 297 marks at Chewoyet Primary school.
He was called to join Baruch Secondary school where he needs school fees and shopping but hopes of him joining the school seem slim as he is unable to raise Ksh 31,000 for school fees and other requirements needed by the school.
The boy was supposed to report to his dream school on February 6, 2023 but he is still sewing shoes.
Wafula, who has a talent in sewing shoes and dreams of becoming an engineer in the future, comes from a poor family and has been using the income to get food and pay for his fees.
“I sew and shine shoes to get food and fees. My parents are poor and unable to support my studies. I am the seventh born in a family of eight and have always wanted to study hard and transform my family. I know God will do something. I feel bad seeing my friends going to school while I am on the streets,” he said.
Wafula now says that his dreams are shattered since efforts to get a bursary or scholarship have borne no fruits forcing him to ask for help from well-wishers so as to enable him continue with his education.
His father, Fred Wafula does menial work in Kapenguria town rendering him unable to pay his school fees.
“I have no job and depend on meager jobs to support my family. I cannot even afford a decent meal for my children. It’s so painful to watch my children’s dreams shattering. Casual jobs are rare nowadays because many people are experiencing economic hardships. I have tried my best but I cannot. I have 8 other children to take care of,” he says.
His customers described the boy as disciplined and matured compared to his peers.
“I have never known that the boy has not finished learning. We need to get him out of the streets. This boy is a shining star who needs help to join high school,” Ashiono Wendo, a frequent customer, says.
