- Mary Akinyi hails from Yiro village in Yimbo East ward, Bondo sub-county
- She dropped out of school in class four but rejoined primary school and scored 362 marks
Working in a bar is oftentimes associated with unfair stereotypes about the moral character of individuals, particularly women. These barmaids are also thought to be uneducated.
This notion has been bastardized by Mary Akinyi who scored B+ in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Education exams.
The former barmaid joined Ran’gala Girls High School at the age of 23 due to what she termed as mockery from patrons at the bar where she worked in Bondo town.
She resigned from her job to escape the mistreatment and taunts directed at her from customers. The then class four drop-out joined primary school where she scored 362 marks in KCPE exams.
“I worked as a barmaid in Bondo and Siaya towns after dropping out of school. It was not easy because some customers were mocking me,” she told the Standard.
Speaking to the daily, Akinyi said it was poverty and lack of school fees that had pushed her to seek ways to survive and support her mother.
“I had challenges of school fees but through well a well-wisher, I managed to join Ran’gala Girls,” Akinyi told the publication.
She went on to add that it was not easy to cope with younger learners because of her age but this changed thanks to guidance and counseling.
Her former boss Charles Ndaga said Akinyi was a hardworking and honest employee. He was not aware she had gone back to school.
She wants to pursue law, but fees arrears amounting to Ksh182,620 stands against her dreams.
“I would like to pursue law but this might not be possible if I don’t get my certificate because of the arrears,” she said.