In a country where education is often the only escape from poverty, the sheer grit of a Kenyan child can move mountains—or in this case, cross counties. Victorine Jepchumba, a determined student from Elgeyo Marakwet, has captured the nation’s heart after trekking over 70 kilometers to secure her Grade 10 slot.

Jepchumba left her home in Chepsirei village at 3:00 AM on Wednesday, carrying nothing but an old metal box and a dream. Her destination: Segero Adventist National School in Uasin Gishu County.

A Journey of Faith

"I could not stay at home knowing my chance was waiting," Jepchumba told reporters upon arriving in Eldoret. With school fees totaling over KES 100,000 annually, her parents were unable to facilitate her admission. Instead of accepting defeat, she started walking.

She covered the grueling distance on foot before a sympathetic matatu operator offered her a lift for the final leg to Eldoret town. Her arrival at the matatu stage, dusty and exhausted but clutching her box, rallied the local community.

• The Community Response: Touched by her resilience, travelers and touts in Eldoret immediately began a fundraising drive, collecting cash for her uniform and personal effects on the spot.
• The Bigger Picture: Jepchumba’s trek highlights the desperation of the 100% transition policy, where placement letters are issued but the financial burden remains a crushing reality for rural families.

Hope on the Horizon

Her story has already begun to attract well-wishers, with pledges of support trickling in. But for Victorine, the walk was not a publicity stunt; it was a necessity. She has walked the first 70 kilometers. Now, she waits for Kenya to help her walk the rest of the journey through high school.