The famous risky tree-hugging in kenya seem to be taking a different trajectory after a parent in Trans Nzoia county began a 120-hour challenge that was thwarted by an irate mob. Education News established that the middle-aged man had resorted to the challenge with a sole aim of raising school fees for his daughter.
The man identified as Wanyonyi had vowed to cling to a tree in the town centre of Kitale until he raised enough money for his grade 10 daughter, who had been sent back from St Joseph’s Girls over lack of fees. Wanyonyi had planned for 130 hour challenge, which he believed would have seen him raise enough to cater for what he described as the high cost of education in Kenyan schools.
Wanyony’s challenge was cut short after members of the public assaulted him, accusing him of using the growing challenge amongst Kenyans for his personal gain. The man is said to have abandoned the exercise after he sensed immense danger from the charged public.
Saboti member of Parliament, Caleb Amisi, described Wanyonyi’s attempt as a “con game” that was taking root among Kenyans. He said that individuals should not exploit learners’ challenges to solicit funds from the public. He made a clarion call to Kenyans to address genuine concerns through proper support mechanisms that include bursaries.
ALSO READ:
Ndindi Nyoro pushes for KSh30 billion national kitty to fund free day secondary education
Reacting to the same, members of public who were pro Wanyonyi’s challenge, termed the cost of Education among the grade 10 as costly a situation that has left many learners stranded in the villages in Trans Nzoia county.”He was just trying to send signal to the government that parents are finding it hard to finance the cost of Education of their children”, Roba said.
In related news, senior school principals in Nandi County have been urged to understand the backgrounds that their students are coming from before they send them back to look for school fees. Speaking to principals’ meetings drawn from the six subcounties over the week, Nandi County Director of Education, Harrison Muriuki, said, some students come from underprivileged backgrounds that sending them back will only serve to hurt them further.
President William Ruto this week ordered that no grade 10 student should be made to stay away from school on account of lack of school fees. It is estimated that close to 40% of all learners who sat for the Kenya junior school education assessment in 2025 have not joined the senior schools they were admitted to due to a lack of fees.
By Naboth Murunga.
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
