On November 6, 2019, Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja launched a report titled Job Entry Level Skills at the Serena Hotel, where he made remarks about the importance of education.
However, it was during a campaign rally in Githurai, Nairobi County, that Sakaja's life took an unexpected turn. A Form 2 student named Lyons Wanjiru approached him seeking financial help to settle her school fees.
Impressed by Wanjiru's intelligence and determination, Sakaja decided to adopt her and ensure she gets a better life. He even informed Deputy President William Ruto about the girl, explaining that she was very sharp but lacked school fees, which almost saw her drop out of school.
“Your excellency when you take a look at the young girl, she is very smart and has spoken to me very well saying she has had a fees problem. I have decided to adopt her and I will pay her school fees until she completes form 4,” Sakaja said.
The incident made Sakaja realize the importance of increasing bursary funds in order to ensure that all needy students have an equal opportunity to access education.
According to the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), over 1.13 million children of primary school age are out of school. This is a worrying trend that affects counties such as Baringo, Bungoma, Garissa, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kilifi, Kwale, Mandera, Marsabit, Narok, Samburu, Tana River, Turkana, Wajir, and West Pokot, as well as Nairobi informal settlements.
