Growing up, Casey Oluoch Atieno had always dreamt of becoming a doctor. Hailing from a modest family in Bungoma County, she knew that she had to work hard to turn her dreams into reality.

In the 2018 Class 8 KCPE examinations, Casey emerged as the best student in the whole of western Kenya, having scored a remarkable 439 marks.

Casey became the talk of the town, and fortunately, she secured a scholarship for her secondary education.

Thanks to the Bungoma County government scholarship program, Casey joined her dream school; Kenya High School.

Had it not been for the scholarship, she would’ve been stranded at home since her family couldn’t afford the whole fee package.

“The former county government of Bungoma scholarship programme, my parents and well-wishers were supportive and tried their best to keep me in school, year in and year out,” Casey recalled.

Her grandmother would take loans to ensure Casey’s bright star did not dwindle. Some of her teachers from primary school even came through for her financially. They sponsored some of her shopping and even school trips.

“That is not to say my family abandoned me, but I was lucky to have good teachers who saw my potential and came through for me in my time of need. I repaid their faith with good marks, which was the least I could do,” she added.

True to her commitment, Casey studied sufficiently and when the exams came knocking, she aced them all. The young girl emerged among the top students in the country, scoring an aggregate Grade A of 83 points.

KUCCPS placed her in JKUAT, studying for a Bachelor of Medicine. With a new journey, comes its unique challenges. Her past journey had been mudded with struggles, that were primarily financial.

With no scholarship to turn to, Casey faced the possibility of deferment. She recently received her National ID and applied for HELB Loan.

She was unsure of whether she would join JKUAT as she requires Sh. 207,000 urgently to cater for her first semester fees.

“I need around Sh. 207,000 or at least 50% to join the university. So far, well-wishers have raised for me Sh. 70,000 through one of my guardians, Mactolo. I am very desperate and in need of help,” Casey said in an exclusive interview.

Kenyan philanthropist Pamela Mactolo has played a big role in supporting the young scholar. She has gathered the essential resources and financial assistance required to enable Casey Oluoch to pursue medicine.

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“I raised Sh. 72,000 cash and Sh. 10,000 pledge for Casey to start her journey to becoming a doctor. A good friend who asked to remain anonymous has also pledged to buy her a laptop of Sh. 35,000,” wrote Casey’s mentor and guardian, Mactolo.

For those interested in contributing towards her fees, payments can be made to:

• Account Name: Casey Oluoch
• Paybill: 400200
• Account Number: 01100250141001

For further information, well-wishers are advised to contact Mactolo at +254713994243.