Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs has stepped in to support a Malindi family after a heartbreaking appeal by a blind mother whose son had failed to join high school due to lack of fees.
Jacobs intervened after the story of Mama Stella Kadzo, a totally blind woman from Malindi, aired on NTV Kenya. Kadzo had publicly appealed for assistance to enable her son to join Shimo La Tewa High School after he was selected but lacked the financial means to report.
In a statement, the PS said he personally reached out to Kadzo on Thursday morning to reassure her that her son’s education would not be disrupted.
He confirmed that he had fully paid the student’s school fees for one academic year.
“The story of Mama Stella Kadzo is deeply touching and painfully moving,” Jacobs said. “I spoke with her personally this morning to encourage and assure her that I have fully paid one year of her son’s school fees.”
He noted that his team would be on the ground to assist with the required shopping, including essential school items.
The PS also revealed that he plans to personally escort the student to Shimo La Tewa High School on Friday, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable learners.
The intervention has drawn praise on social media, with many Kenyans commending the PS for responding swiftly and offering practical support.
The case has once again highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable families in accessing education, despite government efforts to promote 100 per cent transition to secondary school.