My name is Kennedy Mwangi, from Mukuyu, a small market town in Murang’a. This is where my single mother found a place affordable enough to raise my sister and me. Despite her efforts, we often faced hardships like going to bed hungry, being sent home for school fees, and feeling ashamed and fearful about our circumstances, which I couldn’t change at the time.
As I approached grade seven, my future was filled with uncertainty. There was a looming fear of failing my national exams and missing out on the Equity Scholarship, which required 350 marks at the time. Unfortunately, my worst fear was realized after scoring 345 in KCPE. Faced with the options of dropping out, attending a day school and working to help my mother raise tuition fees, repeating grade seven to try again for the scholarship, I chose to attend a day school and assist my mother.
One day, Dr Kamau Wairuri visited my school, Mjini School, where he was an old student. He was informed about my plight and committed to sponsour my high school education, enabling me to attend Kirimara High School. This sponsorship covered my tuition fees, school supplies and uniform, relieving my mother of a tremendous financial burden. The Kamau Wairuri Foundation came to our rescue at a time when all seemed lost. The impact of this generous support cannot be overstated.
Being able to attend Kirimara High School was a dream come true for me. I am happy that I was able to study without any worries about school fees. I was able to focus entirely on my academics and personal growth. The foundation's support also meant that I didn't have to do manual labour on construction sites to raise money, the only option available to me at the time, allowing me to fully dedicate myself to my studies.I made the most of this golden opportunity and expressed my gratitude through academic excellence.
The foundation’s support not only provided me with education but also instilled in me a sense of hope and a belief in the kindness of strangers. It showed me that there are people out there who genuinely care and are willing to help those in need.
The prospect of higher education no longer felt like a distant dream, through their support, I was able to pursue my academic goals securing a place at a prestigious University.
I am eternally grateful to the Kamau Wairuri Foundation. Their support has had a profound impact on my life, opening doors to opportunities I could only dream of. Dr Kamau’s generosity and commitment to helping students like me is truly inspiring. He embodies the sentiment “Live not to be noticed, but to make your absence felt” that I aspire to in my own life.