By Prudence Minayo
Brian Mbeche’s dream to pursue engineering seemed farfetched after he failed to reach the minimum grade for direct entry to university. The sixth born in his family, Mbeche has struggled to pay his school fees but that hasn’t deemed his aspiration.
During the day, he pursues his mechanical engineering diploma, plant option at Kisumu National Polytechnic.
As most students retire to their homes or hostels, he goes for his nightly guard duties at the Rotary Club in Kisumu from 6pm. The club is located at an isolated area meaning he has to be very vigilant throughout the night.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Family
The 20-year-old comes from a family of eight children. His parents, who come from Boketa Village in Kisii, are peasant farmers and cannot afford to put him through school. They also spent a lot of money educating his brother and are still in debt.
“My parents took a loan to educate my brother on a parallel programme. They are still struggling to pay the loan so they cannot afford to support me,” he told The Standard.
Education and paying his way through school
In 2020, Brian Mbeche sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education at St. Francis Nyasagati Secondary School.
Unfortunately, he failed to get the grade that would allow him direct entry to pursue engineering at the University.
Unwilling to let his dreams perish, he set out to do odd jobs until he landed at Guardian Security Services where he was employed as a watchman.
Through the job, he was able to save some money which enabled him gain admission at the institution.
Unfortunately, the money is barely able to sustain him. He was unable to sit for the Kenya National Examination Exams which are in progress (2022).
His parents have been trying their best to get bursaries for him and he has also applied for help from the Higher Education Loans Board.
Brian Mbeche hope was to find a well wisher to enable him continue with his education.