Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi has intervened to clear the school fees for a Form Three student who bypassed security to approach Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during a public event in Uasin Gishu County. The student, Rency Tirop, is a learner at St. Theresa’s Tartar Girls Secondary School in West Pokot. Sudi said she had been sent home because of outstanding school fees and had attended the fundraiser hoping to find someone who could help her return to class. According to Sudi, Tirop’s determination to continue with her education despite her financial difficulties moved him to intervene.

“Touched by her courage, I decided to listen to her,” Sudi said in a statement on Friday, September 4. He said Tirop comes from Chepkong’ony Village in Kipsamoo, Ngeria Ward, and was raised by a single mother from a humble background. Sudi subsequently committed to paying her school fees until she completes her secondary education.

“Her determination to continue her education despite the challenges moved me. I have decided to take up her full scholarship to ensure she completes her schooling and fulfils her dreams,” the MP said.

Tirop’s appeal came during the 22 Churches Fundraising Initiative held at Kipsamoo Primary School on Sunday, August 30, an event presided over by Deputy President Kindiki. Reports indicate that the student made her way past security personnel to reach the Deputy President and explain her situation. Rather than dismissing her request, Sudi said he decided to hear her out and establish the circumstances behind her appeal. Her case was subsequently taken up by the Kapseret MP, who said her determination to remain in school despite financial difficulties had convinced him to provide assistance. Tirop’s case highlights the difficulties some families continue to face in meeting the cost of secondary education. Although the government provides funding to public schools, families may still face expenses associated with boarding, learning materials and other school requirements. For households with limited or unstable incomes, these costs can sometimes result in students being sent home. Tirop’s circumstances were particularly difficult because, according to Sudi, she comes from a single-parent household.

The scholarship is the latest in a series of interventions by Sudi involving people who have publicly sought his assistance. In June, the MP said he had offered support to a woman who had travelled from Nandi County to attend an event involving Kindiki in Kapseret. Sudi said the woman had sought his help over her personal circumstances and the education of her child. The latest case, however, directly involves a student’s education, with the MP committing to cover her schooling until she completes her studies.

For Tirop, the immediate outcome is a return to school without the financial barrier that had forced her to stay at home. Sudi’s announcement did not give details of the amount required to clear her existing school-fee balance or the specific arrangements through which the scholarship will be administered.