Machogu Offers Full Scholarship To Boy Who Held Umbrella For Him In Viral Photo
On Monday, January 15 during a bursary issuance ceremony held at the Mumbi Stadium in Murang'a County, the boy offered to hold the umbrella for the CS as he gave his remarks.
Marvin Chege 
Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu on Wednesday, January 17 offered a young pupil captured holding an umbrella for him in a viral photo a full scholarship for his education while explaining the story behind the photo.
Speaking during a foundation event organised by a local bank for providing scholarships to underfunded learners, Machogu highlighted that the boy chose to stand next to him voluntarily and wanted an audience with him.
On Monday, January 15 during a bursary issuance ceremony held at the Mumbi Stadium in Murang'a County, the boy offered to hold the umbrella for the CS as he gave his remarks.
Photo of a pupil holding an umbrella for Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu. /FILE
The bursaries had aimed to benefit underprivileged learners, best-performing learners and also learners living with disabilities.
"I went somewhere and a young pupil wanted to get the attention of the CS. When you see a child coming with an umbrella, he or she wants school fees, uniform and shoes," Machogu narrated while giving a backstory of the boy.
"When you go to places as a public figure sometimes you get those people who want to reach out to you."
According to the Education CS, the young boy sought him out because he allegedly faced difficulties in settling his school fees and meeting other education-related expenses.
After his address, Machogu had the opportunity to converse with the young learner and address his concerns.
"That small guy insisted on being beside me until I said okay here is something for you. Later on, I was able to consult with him, and assist him the way he wanted because he comes from a background that you and I don't come from," he added.
The viral photo however saw CS Machogu heavily criticised by Kenyans online and offline who wondered if the action was appropriate.
While addressing education stakeholders, Machogu advised fellow leaders to go out of their way and offer to help especially when approached by needy children.
During the Wednesday event, the CS revealed that the scholarships by the local bank complement efforts by the government to ensure a 100 per cent transition of learners into secondary schools.
Machogu said 70 per cent of learners who sat KCPE last year have already reported to school, adding that the Ministry of Education is working to ensure all learners report to school as Form One admission is still ongoing.
"We have enough capacity in all our schools for Form One's to join," he said.
The CS also reiterated that school fees in public schools will remain unchanged, stating "Principals are well advised on school fees. So are Directors of Education. School fees will remain unchanged."
