Maxwell Omondi Ombwayo, a 20-year-old from Miwani, Kisumu county, has been struggling to pursue his university education due to financial constraints. Despite securing a place at Laikipia University to study Bachelor of Commerce, Maxwell has been undertaking casual construction work in Garissa to raise money for his fees. His journey to university has been long and arduous, with financial hardship testing his determination to succeed.
Maxwell's struggles began when his father, the family's breadwinner, died in a road accident, leaving his mother to raise him and his five siblings. His mother worked as a casual laborer in sugarcane fields, but the income was barely enough to keep the family going. Maxwell's education suffered, and he missed an entire school term in Class Four due to financial difficulties. His class teacher eventually started supporting him, enabling him to continue his education.
Despite the challenges, Maxwell remained determined and scored 385 marks in the 2018 KCPE examination at Miwani Primary School. He was selected to join Maseno School but eventually joined St Mary's School, Yala, in Siaya county, after Equity Bank's Wings to Fly Foundation stepped in to support his secondary education. Maxwell completed his Kenya Certificate of Secondary (KCSE) in December 2022, attaining a B plain, which earned him a place at Laikipia University.
However, Maxwell's family's financial situation made it impossible for him to begin his university course. Instead, he embarked on casual jobs, including construction work in Garissa, where he lives with his uncle. Maxwell has tried seeking assistance from his area MP, MCA, and local radio stations, but his efforts have not yielded the help he needs. He is now appealing to well-wishers to support him in pursuing his university education.
Maxwell's story highlights the challenges many students face in accessing university education in Kenya. Despite the government's announcement to fully fund university and college education, the promise has yet to take effect, and students from financially struggling families continue to face hurdles. A spot check found that newly admitted students are still facing household fee contributions and other expenses, making it difficult for them to join university.
Maxwell is determined to pursue his education and is hopeful that well-wishers will support him. He can be reached on 0740 714 418 for anyone willing to assist him. His story has garnered attention, and many are calling for support to help him achieve his dreams. Maxwell's case is a testament to the resilience of students who face financial hardship but remain determined to succeed.
The government's plan to fully fund university education has raised hopes for many students, but its implementation has been slow. As Maxwell and many other students continue to face financial challenges, there is a need for stakeholders to work together to ensure that university education is accessible to all, regardless of financial background. Maxwell's story serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting students in need.
Key points
- Maxwell Omondi Ombwayo, a 20-year-old from Kisumu, is seeking help to join university after financial hardship hindered his progress.
- Maxwell has been undertaking casual construction work in Garissa to raise money for his university fees.
- The government's plan to fully fund university education has yet to take effect, leaving students from financially struggling families facing hurdles.
