Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has come to the aid of an elderly grandmother who moved Kenyans to tears after offering six chickens in a desperate attempt to clear school fees amounting to Ksh131,920 for her two grandchildren.
The emotional incident took place at Adiedo Mixed Secondary School, where Consolata Oduya, a resident of Homa Bay County, turned up with six chickens—each valued at around Ksh1,000—hoping the school would accept them as partial payment for the outstanding fees.
Photos of the frail grandmother flanked by her grandchildren, as a teacher inspected the chickens, quickly went viral on social media, sparking a wave of sympathy and concern. The two students, Mitchell (Form Four) and Hillary (Form Three), had been sent home due to the hefty fee arrears.
The story caught the attention of Governor Wanga, who issued a statement on Thursday evening confirming that she had personally visited the family and the school.
“After learning about Mitchell and Hillary through media reports, we took immediate action,” Governor Wanga said. “We visited the family and school and committed to clearing the remaining fee balance of Ksh81,920.”
Wanga added that the intervention followed a Ksh50,000 donation from an anonymous well-wisher, which helped reduce the original debt. To ensure long-term support, she also announced that the two students had been enrolled in the Homa Bay County scholarship programme, which will cater to their education up to college level.
“To secure their future, we’ve enrolled both students in our scholarship program and will support them through college,” Wanga affirmed.
Following the public support, the school returned the six chickens to the grateful grandmother, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to all the Kenyans who extended a helping hand.
Popular comedian and activist Eric Omondi was among those who rallied support, calling on the public to help locate the granny so she could receive assistance.
The story of Mama Consolata has served as a powerful reminder of the challenges many Kenyan families face in accessing education, and the difference community and leadership can make in bridging such gaps.
