Jane Wambui Muthoni, an 18-year-old from Nyeri, had to put her dreams of becoming a lawyer on hold after completing secondary school due to financial constraints. Despite scoring a B+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination, Wambui could not immediately proceed to university because her single mother could not afford the cost of higher education. Her mother was struggling to pay rent and put food on the table, forcing Wambui to do casual jobs, including working as a “mama fua”, to support the family.
Wambui's situation left her uncertain about her future, despite her good performance in secondary school. She had received a calling letter from the Technical University of Mombasa to pursue a course related to biology, but she did not take up the opportunity due to financial challenges and her lack of interest in the course. Wambui had always been passionate about law and held onto the hope that one day a miracle would happen and she would be able to pursue her dreams.
Balancing work and her desire to continue with her education was difficult for Wambui. She was at crossroads, with her mother expecting her to assist with putting food on the table while she had dreams to chase. This situation stressed her out, but she did not give up. While in secondary school, Wambui developed an interest in law, with a particular focus on justice, mental wellbeing, and the rights of young people.
Wambui's interest in law was evident during her time at Mugoiri Girls Secondary School in Murang’a County, where she was crowned Miss Mugoiri Girls Wellness and Contentment. She used this platform to promote mental health awareness among students through talks, peer discussions, and awareness content. Her fortunes have now changed after she was awarded a scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Laws degree at Zetech University.
Wambui is among three beneficiaries of the university’s TechSheria Scholarship Programme. The scholarship provides 100 per cent tuition support for the approved Bachelor of Laws programme for the prescribed duration, subject to the scholarship terms and the students’ continued academic and administrative compliance. Zetech University Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics, Research and Student Affairs, Prof Alice Njuguna, said Wambui’s background in debating, public speaking, and peer counselling would be valuable in her legal studies.
Prof Njuguna noted that Wambui's aspiration to become a lawyer who not only argues in court but also educates, counsels, and serves the community makes her a deserving recipient of the TechSheria Scholarship. Wambui expressed relief at finally getting an opportunity to begin her university education, saying she never dreamt of such a day and is grateful for this rare and noble opportunity.
The other beneficiaries of the TechSheria Scholarship Programme, Romney Okello and Nelson Muuo, will also pursue their studies under the scholarship programme. Wambui's story is an inspiration to many young people who face similar challenges, showing that with determination and hard work, dreams can come true.
Key points
- Jane Wambui Muthoni, an 18-year-old from Nyeri, has been awarded a scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Laws degree at Zetech University.
- Wambui's scholarship is part of the university’s TechSheria Scholarship Programme, which provides 100 per cent tuition support for the approved Bachelor of Laws programme.
- Wambui's background in debating, public speaking, and peer counselling will be valuable in her legal studies, according to Zetech University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof Alice Njuguna.
