Kibabii University Student On Verge Of Dropping Out After Father Was Recently Jailed For 10 Years

• Erickson Wabuti's education path at Kibabii University was progressing well until his father was sentenced to 10 years in prison
• With only three months on the long sentence, Wabuti now faces the daunting challenge of pursuing his academic ambitions in the midst of a harsh family reality
• In essence, the first-born in a family of five is staring at the harsh reality that he could drop out of campus if a well-wisher doesn't come through

A student at Kibabii University is staring at the worrying possibility that he will soon drop out of campus not long after he joined.

The youngster named Erickson Wabuti is in second year Faculty of Education Arts student at the institution, but that hangs in the balance.

Father has only served 3 months

Wabuti told TUKO.co.ke that his educational journey took a hit when his father was sentenced to prison for 10 years.

According to the first-born in a family of five, his father has only served three months out of the long sentence, so they don't expect him soon.

"My campus fees per year is KSh 45,000, but I have so far paid KSh 12,000 for the first semester of second year, with the opening day being 15th of this September," he said.

Wabuti added that he has applied for assistance from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) but has not been lucky yet.

Family looks up to him

That has, essentially, left the man from Navakholo, Kakamega county, in limbo as the glaring possibility of dropping out becomes realistic with every new day.

"I am afraid I may not be able to continue if a third party does not intervene and help with fees," he said.

Given that Wabuti is the first born, he is looked upon by his younger siblings to find a way forward not just for himself but them too.

As the eldest child in his family, he is also seen as an exemplar of determination and resilience, so dropping out will, stall the progress of those behind him.

Arguably, the silver lining on Wabuti's dark cloud is that despite his bleak circumstances, the 23-year-old remains steadfast in his determination to complete his degree.

"I'm a believer in education being the ticket out of poverty, so finishing my studies will offer me a better chance to support my family through these trying times," he concluded.