By the time we arrived at Brian Mutuku’s home, we were drenched in sweat, a fitting testament to his journey of perseverance and triumph against all odds.
Mutuku’s education was made possible through the support of the KCB Foundation, and his story embodies resilience and hard work. Welcoming us into his well-maintained compound, the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the gentle rustling of leaves. The neatly trimmed hedges and immaculate flower beds reflected the same dedication that Mutuku applies to his life. He lives with his grandmother, Elizabeth Joel, who raised him from a young age and ensured his basic needs were met. In return, Mutuku never disappointed her when it came to academics.
Scoring an A- at Machakos School, he became the first in his area to achieve such a high grade. “I was aiming for an A, but I appreciate the A- I got. It’s a foundation for my future,” Mutuku shared. Driven by societal expectations and a deep sense of gratitude, he saw education as the best way to honor his grandmother, his community, and the KCB Foundation. “She always encouraged me to work hard, reminding me that I had nowhere else to turn if I failed,” he recalled, noting that despite her age, she never missed visiting days at school.
Mutuku hopes to pursue agriculture before transitioning to university to study medicine. “When given an opportunity like this, you must treat it as if your life depends on it. If not for KCB Foundation, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said.
Building a Future
Mutuku’s journey mirrors that of Marwa Haji, another KCB Foundation beneficiary. Coming from Mandera, Haji’s ambition and determination to uplift her community drove her to excel in the 2024 KCSE exams.
Despite growing up in an area plagued by insecurity, where teachers often fled, Haji remained steadfast in her dream of joining Loreto High School Limuru. “We didn’t always have teachers, making studying difficult,” she recalled. “My parents struggled to provide even basic needs, but we held onto hope.”
Fortunately, she secured a KCB Foundation scholarship, which covered her tuition, uniform, shopping, and even pocket money. “They also brought us together for motivational sessions every term, which kept us focused on our goals,” she said.
Scoring a B-, Haji intends to pursue Information Technology. “Mathematics held me back from getting an A, but I plan to improve it. My goal remains unchanged—I will transform my life and that of my community.”
Her message to others is simple: “Never give up on your dreams. Step out of your comfort zone and go after what you want. Opportunities like this don’t come twice.”
The Road to Success
Benjamin Osago, another KCB Foundation scholar, also shared his inspiring journey. As he bid farewell to his parents before his final school term, he made a promise—to bring home an A-. Through unwavering determination, he exceeded his goal, scoring 75 points and making his family proud.
Osago, who studied at Maranda High School, recalled the hardships of his early education. “I kept changing schools due to a lack of fees,” he said. Despite these challenges, he excelled in primary school, scoring 406 marks. With high expectations from his teachers, he knew he had to push himself even further.
Thanks to the KCB Foundation, Osago never had to worry about school fees. Beyond financial support, the foundation provided mentorship, reinforcing the importance of academic success. “My family’s struggles motivated me—I want to change their situation and support my siblings’ education,” he said.
A Father’s Pride
Osago’s father, Jacob, was overcome with emotion as he described his son as obedient, hardworking, and honest. “When Benjamin is home, everything runs smoothly—he does chores, helps his siblings, and dedicates time to studying,” he said. The scholarship lifted a significant burden from the family, arriving at a time when they needed it most.
Similarly, Vallary Chepng’eno, another beneficiary, expressed her gratitude for making her parents proud. Growing up in hardship in Njoro, Nakuru, her academic success was a major relief. Her parents beamed with pride, saying, “She’s the reason we work hard, and she hasn’t let us down.”
At St. Joseph’s Girls’ in Chepterit, Nandi County, she earned an A- in the 2024 KCSE exams. “If we had electricity at home, I could have studied at night and possibly scored an A,” she reflected. Despite these limitations, she woke up at 4 AM daily and used weekends to get ahead in her studies.
With financial struggles behind her thanks to the KCB Foundation, Chepng’eno now looks forward to pursuing a degree in medicine or civil engineering.
A Life-Changing Impact
Since its inception in 2007, the KCB Foundation has transformed the lives of over 5,000 students from underprivileged backgrounds, covering school fees, shopping, and pocket money. In addition, scholars receive mentorship and career guidance, ensuring a 90% transition rate to tertiary education, internships, and job placements.
To date, the foundation has disbursed over Sh2 billion in school fees, opening doors to brighter futures for thousands of students.
