2019 KCPE candidate kills self after parents opted for cheaper school

A 2019 KCPE candidate who was set to join Form One has commited suicide after his parents were unable to raise the required fee for the school of his choice.

The 16-year-old boy from Kabazi in Nakuru County was set to join the Mama Ngina High School in Rongai.

Reports indicate that the boy killed himself after his parents opted to take him to a cheaper school – Kieni Secondary School— near their home.

Subukia OCPD Edward Ibwanga said the deceased, Simon Mbugua, had scored 353 marks in KCPE and was opposed to joining the school his parents had opted for.

He called upon students to be understanding of their parents’ situation and accept alternatives in life.

“I beseech you to be understanding of the situation at home, the syllabus is the same across all school so it is good to accept alternatives,” he said.

Area MCA Peter Mbae however asked parents to air their grievances instead of frustrating their children.

He said that so far, he has been to over 10 Harambees involving similar cases and he helped parents raise school fees for needy children to avoid frustrating them.

The body of the deceased has been taken to Nyahururu Mortuary.

During the Christmas period, Kenyans rallied overwhelmingly behind a bright KCPE student who had left a suicide note after her parents were unable to raise the required Ksh. 50,000 admission fees.

The girl, who was a pupil at Xaverian Primary School in Kisumu Central, had received an admission letter from Asumbi Girls and was expected to join her new school in early January 2020.

Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino was among several other volunteers who came to the girl’s aid,promising to ensure she joins and completes school without a hitch.