In the dusty, crowded lanes of Manyatta Estate in Kisumu, a soft-spoken 16-year-old girl sits quietly outside her guardian’s small rental house, clutching her admission letter to Moi Girls Nyabohanse. For Beatrice Nakhumicha, the letter was meant to be her ticket to the skies, a symbol of hope after years of resilience, hard work and unbroken focus.
But as days roll by, that hope is fading.
Despite scoring an impressive 63 points in the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA), Beatrice now faces the harsh reality that her dream — of joining high school and one day becoming a pilot — may not take off after all.
Her guardian, Nancy Juma, wipes away tears as she narrates her struggle to raise school fees.
“I have tried everything. Beatrice has worked so hard, but I can’t raise the money she needs to join Moi Girls Nyabohanse,” she says softly. “I appeal to well-wishers and Kenyans of goodwill to help me take her to school.”
Nancy, who relies on casual jobs to survive, says her greatest fear is watching Beatrice’s potential slip away because of poverty.
“This girl deserves a chance. She dreams big and wants to be a pilot and I know she can make it if given an opportunity,” she pleads.
She can be reached on 0759 097 781 for anyone willing to help.
Teachers bear witness
At Migosi Junior School, where Beatrice sat her exams, her teachers speak of a disciplined and determined student whose story deserves a happy ending.
Mr. Jared Ogumbo, her class teacher, describes her as a focused and exemplary learner.
“Despite the financial struggles at home, Beatrice remained one of the most consistent students in class,” he says. “She’s not only bright but also respectful and mature beyond her age. She wants to study aviation and give her family a better life.”
Mr. Ogumbo adds that as teachers, they have tried to support her through motivation and guidance, but the financial barrier remains beyond their reach.
“We are appealing to Kenyans to join hands and support her education. Beatrice has the potential to transform her community.”
Ms. Rose Omollo, the Headteacher of Migosi Primary and Junior Secondary School, echoes the same sentiments.
“Beatrice has been with us from Grade One. She’s disciplined, humble and academically gifted,” she says. “Her only challenge is financial. It would be tragic to see such potential wasted.”
She adds that Beatrice’s case reflects the reality of many bright learners across the country who risk being left behind despite government efforts to make education accessible.
Dreams of the sky
For Beatrice, the dream remains alive, if only someone can help her realize it.
“I’ve always wanted to be a pilot,” she says shyly. “I love planes and I want to fly one someday. I know education is the key to that dream. I just need a chance.”
Her determination is visible, her voice steady but filled with uncertainty. The admission letter sits beside her like a silent reminder that time is running out.
Beatrice’s story is one among thousands, but her spark stands out in a testimony that brilliance can thrive even in the most difficult conditions.
Her journey from the crowded classrooms of Migosi to the hopeful halls of Moi Girls Nyabuhanze now hangs on the kindness of strangers.
If her dream takes flight, Beatrice Nakhumicha could one day soar above the clouds, not just as a pilot, but as a living reminder that poverty should never clip the wings of potential.
