By Amoto Dennis
In 1999 Florence Muia’s sat for her KCPE exams and obtained 483 marks out of 700 but she could not proceed to secondary school since her single parent was not in a position to pay her fee and that saw her married at age of 15 years.
Although happily married to a mason husband John Musembi, her thirst for education was never quenched. In 2016, the mother of seven joined Nzulini Secondary School and sat for her KCSE last year and attained a mean grade of C+ at age of 35.
I was supposed to join Kimangao Secondary School in Kyuso sub county Mwingi North in 1999,’’ said Florence.
Her sheer hard work has finally earned her space at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology for a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Public Management and Development.
Though married for 20 years, her unhidden joy to join university and be with students does not deter Florence’s fiery flower to learn.
Florence said that after joining secondary school in 2016, the then Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu offered to support her education through National Government Affirmative Action Fund.
“Such a shot in the arm made me concentrate more, I would wake up early in the morning and prepare breakfast for the family before hitting the road to my day school,’’ said Florence.
During her time, she served as the school head girl due to her discipline and maturity.
Florence added that she was focused and even the talks of the villagers did not veer her.
“Being a role model and having seen her potential, we are bound to support her fully to achieve her dreams,’’ said the Woman Representative County Manager Ben Kilonzi.
“Flying on cloud nine, I want to be a role model to many in my community where dropping out of school , early marriage and child pregnancy has taken toll on education,’’ said Florence.
