The long walk to freedom has ended in a lecture hall. Duncan Kibet, the determined student who trekked 250 kilometers from Bomet to Nairobi to raise school fees, has been granted an unconditional admission to Mount Kenya University (MKU), proving that grit can indeed move mountains.

Kibet’s journey captured the nation’s heart. After an 11-year hiatus since sitting his KCSE exams, the 27-year-old strapped on his shoes and started walking. He didn't have money, he didn't have a plan B, but he had a dream to become a teacher. His arrival in Nairobi was not just a physical feat; it was a statement of intent that the university could not ignore.

A Dream Deferred No More

MKU Founder, Prof. Simon Gicharu, was moved by Kibet’s resilience. In a statement that has been widely applauded, the university announced that Kibet would receive a full scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Education degree. But they didn't stop there. MKU also offered him accommodation at the university hostels, ensuring that his only worry from now on will be his grades.

"Duncan Kibet's story is a remarkable testament to courage, resilience, and the transformative power of education," the university stated. "We are walking this journey with him."

• The Trek: The 250km walk was grueling. Kibet faced the scorching sun, dehydration, and exhaustion. Along the way, he raised a modest KSh 12,000 from well-wishers—a fraction of the fees needed, but a fortune in moral support.
• The Sacrifice: Kibet revealed that he had shelved his own education for over a decade to support his siblings. He worked casual jobs, putting their needs before his own, until he felt it was finally his time.
• The Future: Now, the man who walked across counties to find a future will sit in a classroom to build one. His story serves as a beacon for thousands of other bright students who are locked out of education by poverty.

Walking Into Destiny

Kibet’s admission is more than a scholarship; it is a validation of the Kenyan dream—that effort eventually meets opportunity. He walked 250 kilometers to ask for a chance, and MKU answered with a key to the door.

As he settles into his dorm room in Thika, Duncan Kibet can finally rest his feet. The walking is over. The reading has just begun.