Homa Bay: Governor Gladys Wanga Clears Sh81K School Fees for Siblings After Grandmother’s 6-Chicken Plea
In a heartwarming turn of events in Homa Bay County, Governor Gladys Wanga has come to the rescue of two high school siblings after their desperate grandmother attempted to pay school fees with six live chickens.
The dramatic story, which first came to light through social media and local media outlets including NTV, captured the attention of thousands across Kenya. Conslate Oduya, a struggling grandmother and guardian to Form 4 student Mitchell and Form 3 student Hillary at Adiedo Mixed Secondary School, brought six chickens to the school after her grandchildren were sent home due to unpaid fees.
According to NTV, the grandmother’s symbolic gesture was a desperate attempt to cover a mounting fee balance that had reached KSh 245,000. Despite having no income and struggling to make ends meet, she said she could not stand to see her grandchildren miss out on their education.
“I had no other way. All I have are chickens, and I thought maybe the school could accept them as part of the fees. I just want them to stay in school,” she said, tears welling in her eyes.
Her actions stirred national sympathy and drew quick attention from the Homa Bay County Government. Governor Gladys Wanga responded with a compassionate visit to the family and school, taking decisive action to prevent the children from dropping out.
“After learning about Mitchell and Hillary through media reports, we took immediate action,” said Governor Wanga. “We visited the family and the school and committed to clearing the remaining fee balance of KSh 81,920—following a generous KSh 50,000 contribution from a well-wisher, which reduced their initial debt of KSh 131,920.”
But the Governor didn’t stop there.
“To secure their future, we’ve enrolled both students in our scholarship program and will support them through college. Every child deserves education without barriers,” she added.
The announcement was met with applause from education stakeholders, residents of Homa Bay, and Kenyans online, many of whom lauded the governor’s swift intervention and empathy.
One of the students, Mitchell, expressed her gratitude in an emotional statement: “I couldn’t believe it when I heard the governor was coming to our home. This means everything to us. Now I can finish my KCSE in peace and focus on becoming a nurse.”
Her younger brother Hillary was equally excited. “I’ll work hard to make everyone proud. We are so grateful to be given another chance,” he said.
The story has sparked a nationwide conversation on the affordability of education in Kenya, especially in rural areas where many families struggle to keep their children in school.
Education experts have used the moment to urge for broader systemic reforms to support underprivileged learners.
“Governor Wanga’s intervention is commendable, but we must create policies that prevent such heartbreaking situations in the first place. No child should have to rely on viral news stories to access basic education,” said Dr. Mercy Atieno, an education policy advocate.
Social media users also joined in the conversation, sharing messages of support and calling for a national bursary expansion. One user wrote, “This grandmother is a hero. The chickens may be small, but the love behind that gesture is enormous.”
As for Conslate Oduya, she is overwhelmed with gratitude. “I never imagined people would care this much. God bless the Governor and everyone who helped us,” she said.
The story of Mitchell, Hillary, and their determined grandmother now stands as a powerful testament to the importance of community, compassion, and leadership that puts children first.
