From Struggle to Success: KSh 2.5 Million Scholarship Lifts Students in Kisumu, Migori and Kericho

By Kepher Otieno - Reporter

Kenya, 31 January 2026 - For years, the dream of higher education felt painfully distant for Felix Omondi, Eunice Adhiambo, and their fellow students.

Raised in families struggling to afford basic needs, school fees were often paid in installments—if at all—while uncertainty hovered over every academic term.

Today, that uncertainty has been replaced with hope after the students received a scholarship worth KSh 2.5 million, a lifeline that will enable them to continue and complete their education.

The beneficiaries—Felix Omondi, Dancun Atonga, Eunice Adhiambo, Verah Akoth, Vincent Kiptoo, Sharon Mitei, Joan Chepkoech, Everline Ouko, Raphael Tanui, Lencer Auma, Angel Mong’are, Daisy Ogola, and Nelima Mary—come from some of the most economically challenged households.

Yet, despite the odds stacked against them, they have consistently demonstrated resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to learning.

For many of them, the scholarship is more than financial support; it is a powerful affirmation that their struggles have been seen and their potential recognised.

“There were moments I thought I would be forced to drop out,” said Felix Omondi, his voice heavy with emotion.

“This scholarship has restored my hope. I sincerely thank the donors for their generosity and compassion. They have changed my life.”

The scholarships were awarded through Exiera Medical Training College, whose management says the initiative is part of a deliberate effort to open doors for bright but needy students drawn from its Kisumu, Rongo and Kericho satellite campuses.

From Struggle to Success: KSh 2.5 Million Scholarship Lifts Students in Kisumu, Migori and Kericho

The institution supports learners pursuing different medical courses—many of whom come from informal settlements and vulnerable backgrounds.

According to Academic Director Victor Obingi and Administration and Operations Manager Bob Otieno, Exiera spends about KSh 2.5 million every year to sponsor students who would otherwise be locked out of higher education.

“These students have the ability and the discipline,” said Obingi.

“What they lack is opportunity. Our role is to bridge that gap and give them a fair chance to succeed.

Daisy Ogola described the scholarship as a turning point not only in her academic journey, but in her family’s story as well.

“Coming from a poor background, education was the only way out,” she said.

“The donors have shown us kindness and humanity. I promise to work hard and make them proud.”

Beyond covering tuition, the sponsorship eases the constant financial pressure that has weighed heavily on families for years.

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Parents who once faced heartbreaking choices between school fees and daily survival can now breathe a little easier, reassured that their children’s education is secure.

For Nelima Mary, the support represents compassion translated into action.

“This is a clear demonstration of love for humanity,”she said.

“I am deeply grateful to the donors for believing in us when we had almost lost hope.”

Exiera Medical Training College has also strengthened its support system through partnerships with international organisations that help students build practical skills and access opportunities in the local and global medical market.

One such partner is the Signet Institute of Australia which collaborates with the institution on skills and capacity-building programs aligned with the academic calendar.

Yet, despite these efforts, the demand continues to outweigh available resources. Hundreds of students from poor and vulnerable families apply for sponsorship every year, stretching the institution’s capacity.

“We are overwhelmed by requests,” Otieno admitted.

“Our desire is to help more students, but our resources are limited. That is why we are appealing to donors and well-wishers to walk this journey with us.”

The institution is also seeking support in the form of laboratory equipment, including theatre apparatus, medical kits and other non-pharmaceutical supplies, as well as partnerships for student exchange programs.

For students like Eunice Adhiambo the scholarship has reignited ambition and a sense of responsibility to give back.

“I thank the donors for their good work,” she said.

“Their support has inspired me to dream bigger and to one day help others from my community.”

Looking to the future, Exiera’s management envisions transforming the college into a medical technology university, expanding its reach to at least 32 of Kenya’s 47 counties within the next 10 to 15 years.

In the nearer term, the institution hopes to increase the number of students under bursary and sponsorship programmes to at least 50 per year over the next five years, if financial stability allows.

Beyond the figures and plans, however, the true impact of the KSh 2.5 million scholarship is written in the lives it touches—students who now walk into classrooms with confidence instead of fear, and families who dare to believe in a better tomorrow.

As Felix, Daisy, Eunice and their peers press on with renewed determination, their stories stand as quiet but powerful reminders that when opportunity meets resilience, even the most fragile dreams can take root and flourish.