Kakamega Girl, 13, Walks 15km To Join Form One Without A Cent: "Baba Aliaga, Mama Anaugua"

• Diana Nyarotso walked to St Mary's Girls High School during Form One admission, a distance of at least 15km
• The 13-year-old reported to school alone, with no parent or guardian and without the requirements for admission
• The brilliant girl, who scored 375 marks, said her ailing mother was not in a position to offer any support towards her education

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Kakamega - A 13-year-old girl from Butere surprised a mammoth after trekking for at least 15km to quench her thirst for education at St. Mary's Girls High School in Mumias.

Diana Nyarotso performed excellently in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examinations, walking away with 375 out of the possible 500 marks.

Hailing from a humble family, the former Ebulafu Primary School student only armed herself with an envelope containing her admission letter and result slip.

Why did Diana Nyarotso trek to school?

In a poignant account featured in Taifa Leo, Nyarotso, a hopeful young soul with aspirations of pursuing a career in law, shared a deeply moving narrative of her life.

The heart-wrenching tale unfolds with the loss of her father and the burden of caring for her ailing mother, who, unfortunately, cannot afford to support her education.

Nyarotso bravely described the dual tragedies that have shaped her current reality, which made her rise with the dawn to embark on a journey to school without school fees, shopping, uniforms, or any essential requirements.

Her determined footsteps echo a resilient spirit as she walks to the school gates, a silent plea to the principal to grant her admission into Form One.

"I studied at Ebulafu Primary School, where I scored 375 in my KCPE exam and got admitted to St. Mary's High School," she explained.

"But my father passed away in 2012, and my mother is sick and cannot afford to pay my school fees. That's why I woke up early and started walking to plead with the principal of St. Mary's to allow me to join Form One. I am determined to study and become a lawyer to help the less fortunate in society," she proceeded to explain.

Moved by her difficult situation, Monicah Buchichi, the principal of St. Mary's High School, agreed to admit her despite not meeting the admission criteria.

“When I asked more, I found out that she comes from a poor family, and her situation touched me. I had no choice but to allow her to join and search for resources to enable her to get all the things she needs at school," said Buchichi.

Boy walks for 60km to join Form One

Meanwhile, in 2022, another bright boy walked from Busia to Bungoma, a distance of 60 km, to get admission at Teremi Boys High School.

Moses Oduor was determined not to lose the chance after scoring 361, but owing to financial constraints, he was left with no other choice. Their lives took a turn after their parents divorced.

“Immediately I joined class one, my dream was to join Teremi Boys’ High School. I am very optimistic that someone will come out and help me,” he stated.