Freed Prisoner Who Topped KCPE Gets Form 1 Scholarship.
Juma Nyasi, a 26-year-old ex-convict, is living his dream.
He knew he could finally become a marine engineer as he walked proudly to the dais to receive his secondary school scholarship.
Juma, who completed his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education in 2021 at the Manyani Maximum Security Prison, is now free.
He received 401 points, making him one of the top students in the country who took their exams in correctional facilities.
He was sentenced to life in prison in Manyani after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a three-year-old boy. He had denied the allegations.
After a successful appeal, Juma was acquitted by the Voi High Court.
“I had no hope of joining secondary school but I thank God that I have been selected to get the scholarship. I will join the school next week,” he stated after receiving the scholarship.
Nyasi will now join the Ikutha Boys in Kitui county. The Taita Taveta county government awarded scholarships to 100 deserving Form 1 students.
Nyasi was taking the KCPE exam for the second time. He took his national exams in 2009 and later enrolled at Marungu Secondary School in Voi subcounty. He dropped out two years later due to a lack of funds.
“I dropped out of secondary school in 2011 after my sponsor died. I have always wanted to go back to school,” he said.
After dropping out of school, the young man began doing menial tasks in his Kale village in the hopes of saving enough money to return to school.
He was charged with committing the crime in the village and sentenced to life in prison.
During his two-year sentence, Nyasi said he kept hoping to be released and pursue his dreams.
Juma Nyasi is carried shoulder high by his fellow inmates at Manyani Maximum Security Prison during the celebration of his KCPE performance. /
DAILY NATION
Nyasi stated that he has forgiven those who wrongfully accused him.
“After the release, I opened a new chapter in my life. I have forgiven them and left it to God. Only God knows that I was innocent and did not commit the crime,” he said.
He says he is now concentrating on finishing his education. He hopes to inspire children from low-income families who are unable to attend school.
He also wants to be a marine engineer.
Nyasi expressed gratitude to the county government for providing him with a full scholarship.
Defence Manga, the county’s education executive, presided over the awarding of the 2022 scholarships. He stated that the program’s goal is to promote complete transition.
“The programme will assist in a smooth transition from primary to secondary school since students from vulnerable backgrounds will benefit,” Manga said.
She stated that beneficiaries were chosen after a rigorous vetting process in which the winners were chosen on merit.
According to her, the Sh15 million program is a game changer for bright and needy students, and Nyasi is an inspiration to all.
His outstanding performance earned him a place among the region’s bright students who benefited from a Ksh11 million county scholarship program for secondary education.
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So far, the program has supported over 400 students from Taita Taveta County.
Education Fund Board chairperson David Mombo stated that only deserving students would benefit when he announced the scholarship funds at the county headquarters in Mwatate.
“Our first cohort will be completing their secondary school education this year. Since 2018 we have been sponsoring five students every year,” he stated.
“When you get to school do not consider yourself as someone from a humble background. Work hard so that you can secure your future,” he further encouraged the beneficiaries.
Freed Prisoner Who Topped KCPE Gets Form 1 Scholarship
