Wilson Kipchumba, an 82-year old grandfather, recently acquired a much cherished KCPE certificate after sitting the examinations last year shortly after retiring from active employment.
His quest for knowledge disregarded age, visual challenges notwithstanding but instead giving him an unusual impetus at that age to register for KCPE as a private candidate.
It was not the first time he was going to school though, having attended a white man’s classes in the 60s.
“I went to school in 1961 at Tomena Primary School in West Pokot County during which Africans were only given basic skills like reading, writing, arithmetic and artisan skills, which indeed shaped my life’s career,” he said smiling.
After completing grade five exams, he was said to be ready for the then ever demanding job market which had many prospects. He could not proceed from here because shortly after he joined Government African School, he fell ill and could not explain himself to the white head master upon return to school.
An attempt by an artisan to represent him before the white man utterly failed as it ended in a fight that summarily halted his hopes of continuing his education. He was promptly expelled.
“I did acquire driving skills which enabled me to secure a driving job at Holy Cross High School, formerly Kacheliba Mixed Secondary, where I worked for 31 years before I developed visual problems,” he said.
He said he was earnestly yearning for a better certificate much more than a birth or a driving licence. That is when he enrolled for KCPE and got 182 marks, which he does not regret.
“Not having gone to secondary school is not that important as I have six of my grandchildren in university,” he said with a smile.
By Hillary Muhalia
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