Moses Oduor, a 22-year-old artisan working in a Kabazi trading centre garage, carries academic credentials that defy his current circumstances. His black bag holds KCSE certificates showcasing an A plain grade with 81 points, placing him among the top 18 students at Sawagongo High School in 2015.
Despite achieving straight As in core subjects and an A minus in Kiswahili, Oduor has been unable to access higher education. His father died in 2007 when he was in Standard Four, followed by his mother's passing two years later. Raised by his grandmother, he now earns between Sh50 and Sh200 daily scrubbing vehicles at the garage.
"Many people doubt I'm an orphan until I show my parents' death certificates," Oduor said. He has sought assistance from aviation schools and foundations but received rejections, with sponsors stating they do not support post-secondary students.
A former MCA, Joseph Mwangi Waithaka, expressed shock at Oduor's situation, urging the government to intervene. The artisan remains determined, citing childhood admiration for pilot Captain Luke Oyugi, who died in a 2012 helicopter crash.
"If I get support, I'll study hard to become a pilot," Oduor said. His story highlights systemic barriers faced by gifted youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
