Fourteen years after succesffuly completing her 2010 KCSE exams, Jelagat Maiyo has finally walked through the corridors of a college institution to pursue further studies. It is a season of celebration for the mother of six from Elgeyo Marakwet.

She has now enrolled at Tambach Teachers Training College. 14 years ago after completing her KCSE exams, she couldn’t afford the university fees and thus turned to menial jobs to make ends meet. In her village, she became a brewer of traditional alcohol, chang’aa, as a way to support herself.

Jelagat is now being sponsored to attend the teachers’ training facility, thanks to her Member of Parliament. During one of his visits to her ward, he learned about her situation.

Jelagat shared her wish to continue her studies, despite the time she had lost, which touched the politician and prompted him to find a way to help her move forward

“After lacking school fees to join university, the lady became a chang’aa brewer in the village. She is also a mum of six kids and lives with her grandmother. It was during one of my constituency tours while engaging the electorate that I learned about her plight,” he said in an interview with a local media correspondent.

Jelagat chose to join a teacher’s college over pursuing a university degree. She explained that she preferred the shorter two-year path to begin teaching, rather than waiting four years. Thanks to the MP, a spot was secured for the determined woman, who kept her dream alive for 14 years.

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“She said she had to settle down and have kids after losing hope to pursue her dreams. I talked to other neighbours who corroborated the story,” the MP added.

He assured her that he would cover all her school fees and support her family, allowing her to focus on her studies. He shared that his motivation stemmed from being a beneficiary of others’ kindness, which helped him achieve his own dreams.

“I put so much importance in education because it also helped me be who I am today. In my constituency, I ensure that all schools are free to encourage more learners to go to school,” he added. ­­