Margaret Baliseneka’s story is a testament to resilience. She braved significant obstacles to realize her dreams, with her journey to achieving an A- in the 2023 KCSE exams being particularly remarkable. From the struggles of homelessness and street vending, she rose to become one of the top students in the nation.
Raised in Kakamega, Baliseneka was a bright student who earned a place at the esteemed Kenya High School in Nairobi, where she studied for three years. However, conflicts with her parents resulted in her dropping out in 2020 before completing her high school education.
As the firstborn in a family of two, she reached a breaking point due to her parents’ constant disagreements, which she claims deprived her of peace of mind.
“I was disturbed by their unending feuds which made my stay at home very uncomfortable. All I wanted was to have a happy family,” Baliseneka narrated in an interview with the Nation.
Embarking on an uncertain journey, she found herself in the coastal town of Kilifi. Alone and homeless, she sought refuge with a random family, convincing them that she was an orphan.
Starting with a few days of work at a construction site, she used her earnings to save up and eventually began selling sweets and fries on the streets.
“For three months I was just selling snacks and fries while staying with the family. I did not care what people thought about me as all I cared for was my life,” she said.
She soon made a friend who worked at a local entertainment venue. Through this connection, she was introduced to the club’s management, who offered her a job as an attendant.
“I worked at the club for eight months for a monthly salary of Sh12,000. That was enough for me at that time and I thought I had started my life afresh,” said Ms Baliseneka.
At the same time, her parents were anxiously searching for her, involving the police in their efforts as they feared she was missing.
In December 2021, the police tracked her down to the club and arrested her. Before she could be sent back to Kakamega, her parents were summoned and advised to engage in counseling and therapy sessions with their daughter.
Eventually, Baliseneka agreed to return to school and live with her aunt in Njoro while her parents worked on their issues. At her new school, she excelled academically, which led to her promotion as the school head prefect.
“I was made the head girl in the school and I was greatly motivated to be a role model to other students. I also did a lot of consultations with my teachers as well as held numerous group discussions with my colleagues,” she stated.
However, due to her history of truancy, School Director Mr. Harun Kabiru asked teachers and the school community to support Baliseneka’s reintegration into the school environment. In fact, she wanted to drop out again, but they successfully convinced her to stay and finish her studies.
“The school supported her in every way. At some point, she wanted to drop out again, but we intervened and ensured she felt comfortable in school,” said Mr Kabiru.
Her perseverance and commitment paid off when the 2023 KCSE examination results were announced, revealing that she had scored an A- and brought significant recognition to her school.
“I am grateful to God for the good results, even though I wanted a straight A. I happy because my good grades will help me achieve my goals,” the student noted sharing her goals of studying medicine in university.
Her teachers were thrilled, praising her for her exceptional effort in the examination, especially considering that the time she lost while away from school could have significantly impacted her progress.
“She has made us proud and we celebrate her efforts,” said Mr Kabiru then.