By Cece Siago
Monica Njira Kalume held tightly her white cane when she arrived at the Kwale County Commisioner’s office in Matuga one Thursday mid-morning.
Her parents guided her gently though the stairs then the ramp as she passed other hopeful applicants to access the registration section for the Inuka Scholarships targeting learners with disability joining grade 10.
Even though she could not see, she carried hope that the vetting interview she had come to attend would open a door back to school and closer to her dream of becoming a lecturer despite being visually impaired.
That morning in Matuga, Monica was one of six learners with disabilities shortlisted for vetting under the Kenya Pipeline Company Foundation’s Inuka Scholarship Programme.
Only two would be selected.
Her father, Kalume Chogo had travelled with her over 100 kilometers from Mwereni, in Lungalunga Sub County.
“When we heard that children with disabilities were going to be helped, I decided to try my luck since despite challenges, I always wanted my child to go to school,” he said.
Monica Kalume (left) and her father Kalume Chogo (right) in Matuga Kwale County. PHOTO BY CECE SIAGO
Her invitation to join Thika School for The Blind had proved a big hurdle, considering the distance from Kwale, and the boarding fees she would require for her stay.
Mr Chogo added that out of his seven children, two of them including Monica were handicapped while some of his other children having dropped out of school due to lack of school fees.
“I used to apply for bursaries to ensure Monica goes to school. Sometimes she would miss for several weeks but I would still ensure she goes back to school in Kinango,” he added.
When the results were announced, Monica was among the two successful candidates alongside Mogammed Dziwe who is physically handicapped.
“I want to teach and help other children like me understand so that they can achieve their dreams,” Monica said during an interview.
Monica Kalume during registration for vetting at the Kwale County Commissioner ‘s office in Matuga, Kwale County. She won the Inuka scholarship by Kenya Pipeline Company to join Thika School for the Blind in Kiambu. PHOTO BY CECE SIAGO
Through the scholarship Monica will join the Kiambu based school while Mohammed will join Mombasa Secondary School for the Physically Handicapped.
Speaking after the vetting exercise, KPC Marketing Officer Gladys Nzive, who was also the vetting team leader said Inuka Scholarship caters specifically for bright but needy learners, with a strong focus on inclusivity for children living with disabilities.
“Due to high poverty levels in rural areas, some parents view these children as a burden because of their special needs and the financial demands involved. KPC intervened to ensure they are not left behind, emphasizing that these beneficiaries will grow into future leaders,” she said.
She explained that the annual programme was a transparent one with parents expected to download forms from the company’s website.
94 beneficiaries will be selected this year across the country with each county producing two successful applicants.
Since it began in 2017, the scholarship program has supported a total of 745 learners across the country.
Inuka Scholarship vetting committee team lead Gladys Nzuve during an interview with the media to announce winners of the scholarship for learners with disabilities. PHOTO BY CECE SIAGO
According to Matuga Deputy County Commisioner representative John Kariuki who chaired the vetting committee, more parents should enroll their children in grade 10, despite major challenges.
He said some applicants were unable to qualify because their forms were incomplete or they had not registered with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
“The main obstacle was that some applicants submitted incomplete documentation, while others had not finalized their registration with the council,” he explained.
He encouraged parents to ensure their children are properly registered so they do not miss out on such opportunities.
Kariuki further observed that many families face difficulties when trying to enroll their children in Grade 10, stressing the need for stronger efforts to guarantee that every child has access to education.
