Needy UoN Student Desperately Seeks Help to Raise KSh 61k Fees: "Nabebea Watu Maji Kwa Estate"
- Stephen Okoth, a second-year student at the University of Nairobi, is appealing for KSh 61,400 to cover his tuition and accommodation fees
- The 24-year-old student told TUKO.co.ke that he risks deferring his studies if he fails to raise the amount for fees
- Stephen asked for financial support or an employment opportunity in any field to raise money for three crucial needs
- Kenyans of goodwill can support him by sending contributions via M-Pesa: 0717869703 (Stephen Okoth)
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A struggling second-year student at the University of Nairobi (UoN) is appealing for financial support to pay his school fees.
Source: UGC
Stephen Okoth told TUKO.co.ke that he needs KSh 61,400 to cover his tuition and accommodation for the upcoming semester.
He shared that he is currently on holiday and is expected to resume studies in September.
Has UoN student searched for a job?
After the semester break, Stephen remained in Nairobi, where he was hosted by Milka, one of the well-wishers who have been assisting him, so that he could hustle and make money for his needs.
However, it has not been an easy journey. He has tried looking for jobs, but all his efforts have proved futile.
Currently, he earns a small income by delivering water for residents in Nyayo Estate.
“I have been looking for jobs, but luck has not been on my side. I managed to get one where I carry water for people in the estate to their homes. I don’t own a wheelbarrow or cart, so I carry the jerricans on my back,” he shared.
The 24-year-old student said he earns around KSh 200 on a good day, but most days he returns home with nothing.
“I hoped to save something for my school fees, but I don’t think I can raise the full amount by September with this job,” he said.
Who has been paying Stephen Okoth’s school fees?
Born into a humble family in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay county, Stephen was raised by his father and stepmother.
His father, the sole breadwinner, passed away in 2009 when Stephen was still a young boy.
Despite financial hardships, his caring stepmother did her best—seeking support from well-wishers to help him get an education.
Stephen said his entire secondary school education was sponsored by well-wishers and a few local politicians he approached for help.
“It wasn’t easy, but with support and encouragement from my benefactor, Beatrice Odira, and her daughter Milka, I managed to finish high school and scored a B-,” he explained.
Now pursuing a Bachelor of Education, Stephen said he walked around his village asking neighbours to contribute towards his university fees when he was admitted.
Unfortunately, the amount raised wasn’t enough, and his stepmother was forced to sell land to enable him to begin his studies.
Source: UGC
How does Stephen survive at university?
Stephen explained that he was placed in Band 4 by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), receiving KSh 22,000 assistance, which he uses to pay part of his fees.
The amount is often consumed by tuition and accommodation costs, leaving him struggling for food.
“I used to ask for free food at the university mess, but that’s not easy. So, I worked there just to be given one plate of food a day to survive,” he said.
With Milka’s help, he raised KSh 1,000 to start hawking sweets on campus. However, the school authorities allegedly shut down his business, stating he had to pay KSh 1,000 per month to be allowed to operate.
“I don’t want to lose hope. I believe God has a plan for me, and I’m doing my best. All I need is help,” he told TUKO.co.ke.
How to help Stephen Okoth
The 24-year-old is calling on Kenyans of goodwill to help him raise his school fees, saying he does not want to drop out.
Stephen added that he is willing to take up any job to support himself.
“Any job right now would help. Manual labour or not, I’m willing to work hard for whatever I earn. I can also work part-time and still attend classes when school resumes, just so I can at least afford food,” he said.
Optimistic and full of hope, Stephen shared that his dream is to finish school and become a business and physical education teacher.
Well-wishers can reach out to Stephen or send contributions via M-Pesa on 0717869703 (Stephen Okoth).
Who paid school fees for Kericho MTC student?
Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that a Clinical Medicine and Surgery student in Kericho sought help to raise KSh 125,850 for her school fees.
Purity Taa was on the verge of missing her exams when she made a tearful plea for assistance.
Fortunately, Kenyans of goodwill contributed KSh 80,850 online, while the remaining KSh 45,000 was covered by Levy Kachilei, a generous well-wisher.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
