Owalo comes to aid of student who appealed for fees on social media

By Peter Ochieng

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for ICT and digital economy Eliud Owalo has come to the rescue of a needy student, who took to social media to appeal for support.

David Odhiambo Muga got 399 marks in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), only 29 off the 428 mark achieved by the top candidate in the country.

His dream of joining Maseno School in Kisumu county almost went up the smoke because of lack of school fees, before he decided to take to social media for support.

"My father is a casual labourer while my mother is a housewife. I am calling for any well-wisher/ sponsor to who can help me join my dream school to help me achieve my dream of becoming a neurosurgeon," he said in the appeal.

His cry landed in the right ears, with CS Owalo through his Eliud Owalo Foundation coming to his aid.

The CS reached out to his parents, and has already handed over a banker’s cheque of Sh98,654 to the Principal of Maseno School, Peter Owino.

"In our view, education is a catalyst for transformative change, both at the personal and societal levels. Within the Eliud Owalo Foundation, we believe in its unparalleled power to shape a better future. Education stands as the great equalizer, breaking down barriers and levelling the playing field, regardless of one’s age, circumstances, or socio-economic status," noted the CS.

The money covers school fees, development fees, parental support to the child of Sh2,000 per term, uniform, games kits, mattress, and other consumables.

The CS, through the Foundation also committed to covering Muga’s fees up to Form 4.

Additionally, the Foundation provided seed capital of Sh50,000 to Muga’s mother to start a business, that will boost the family’s finances.

CS Owalo is an old boy of Maseno School.

Muga was accompanied by his parents Ruth Addah Agola and Joseph Muga Owera, among others.