Isiolo, Kenya| In the dusty streets of Bulapesa, a low-income neighborhood in Isiolo town, lives a young man whose academic brilliance once lit up the classrooms of Mang’u High School.
Today, that same light flickers uncertainly, dimmed by poverty and unfulfilled potential.
Jamal Hassan Waqo, a 24-year-old former student of the prestigious Mang’u High School, is appealing to well-wishers, leaders, and institutions to help him resume his university education.
Waqo scored an impressive A (plain) in the 2019 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, a rare academic feat in a county often overlooked in national conversations.
Waqo’s academic journey began with promise. He was awarded a full scholarship under the Equity Group Foundation’s “Wings to Fly” programme, which supported his four-year secondary school education at Mang’u.
But that promise was cut short when he joined Moi University (Eldoret) to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology — only to drop out in his third year due to financial constraints.
Speaking to the press, a visibly emotional Waqo narrated how multiple attempts to secure further support from the Equity Foundation and other avenues yielded nothing.
Despite his outstanding academic record, he was not considered for the university-level extension of the scholarship.
“I knocked on many doors, including the local branch of the bank, hoping for support. But each time I left empty-handed,” he said.
With his dreams of becoming an IT expert stalled, Waqo returned to Isiolo, where life took a difficult turn. To survive, he took up casual labor at construction sites and later found temporary teaching jobs in private schools.
Still, he remains mired in poverty, struggling to support his unemployed parents and younger siblings.
“I’ve resisted the peer pressure and vices that many of my age mates in Bulapesa have succumbed to — drugs, crime, and hopelessness. I keep hoping that someone will notice my plight and give me a second chance,” Waqo said, his voice heavy with resolve.
His mental health has suffered. Years of stress, depression, and uncertainty have taken a psychological toll on the once-brilliant student. Yet, despite the bleakness of his situation, Waqo refuses to give up.
In a bold new move, he has registered for a Bachelor of Education degree at Mount Kenya University, determined to reshape his career path and become a teacher — if only he can afford to continue.
His story has drawn sympathy and concern from several quarters, including from former Isiolo County Parents Association Chairperson and civic educator Ismael Galma.
Galma called on Isiolo County Governor Abdi Guyo and area MP Joseph Samal to intervene.
“We cannot afford to let such a gifted and disciplined young man waste away in the slums. The County Government should provide a full scholarship, and leaders must ensure that county bursaries reach the deserving cases like Jamal,” Galma said.
Galma further challenged the County to publicly release a list of past bursary beneficiaries to promote transparency and accountability in the selection process.
Jamal’s appeal is not just a personal cry for help — it is a reflection of the many bright but underprivileged students in Kenya who slip through the cracks due to systemic failures in educational support beyond secondary school.
For many, scholarships end with KCSE, leaving even the most brilliant to fend for themselves.
As Waqo stands at this crossroads, his hope rests on the goodwill of individuals, alumni networks, local leaders, and philanthropic organizations.
For a young man who defied the odds to excel, all he asks is one more chance — a chance to finish what he started.
Those interested in assisting Jamal Hassan Waqo can reach out through local networks in Isiolo or connect via community advocacy groups currently rallying for his support.
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