Raphael Mwathiki, who scored an A plain in the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), now fears he may be unable to proceed to university due to financial constraints, threatening his lifelong dream of becoming a surgeon.
Mwathiki, a bright but needy student from a humble background, says poverty may derail his ambition despite his outstanding performance.
The student who completed his Secondary education after, Igembe North Member of Parliament Julius Taitumu came to his rescue and cleared his fee though bursaries, now say poverty back in their home risk derailing his dreams.
He studied at Burieruri Boys Secondary School, where he says his education was marked by frequent disruptions due to lack of school fees.
“I was often sent home to collect school fees and would sometimes stay out of school for one or two weeks. I thank the area Member of Parliament, Julius Taitumu, for supporting me with bursary funds and seeing me through my secondary education,”Mwathiki said.
He added that he also received occasional support from members of the local community, which enabled him to complete his studies.
Mwathiki who hails from Miuine in Igembe North constituency has now appealed to the Meru County Government and well-wishers to help him pursue a medical degree, saying his parents are unable to raise university fees.
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“I beseech the county government and kind-hearted well-wishers to help me achieve my dream of becoming a doctor. My parents cannot afford the cost of university education,” he said.
His mother, Nancy Nkunja, said the release of the KCSE results left her overwhelmed with mixed emotions of joy, shock, and despair because of the family’s financial situation.
“I cried because of the good results, but inside me there was shock,” she said while fighting back tears. “I prayed to God to give me courage. I plead with well-wishers to support my son so that he can continue with his education.”
She recalled that Mwathiki’s dream of becoming a doctor was inspired during his childhood, when he saw his father struggle with a leg condition.
“He once told his father that he would one day do his best to operate on his leg,” she said.
Nkunja also praised the Igembe North NG-CDF office under MP Julius Taitumu for its financial support, which she said played a key role in keeping her son in school.
Speaking outside their one-bedroom timber house in Igembe North, she said the family survives on menial jobs and could not consistently afford secondary school fees.
“He often came home because we could not raise the required fees, but despite all the challenges, his determination never faded,” she said.
A family member, Gerald Ntomuchiri, said the family is desperate but committed to ensuring Mwathiki attains higher education.
“We are ready to sacrifice everything for him as long as he continues with his education and achieves his dreams. Even if he becomes a slave as long as he studies because we have no other option,” he said.
By John Majau
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