Family appeals for help to support candidate sitting for her KCSE exams while on oxygen support

As thousands of KCSE candidates sit their exams comfortably across the country, Terry Charity, a student at King David Junior and Secondary School, battles through her papers with the help of an oxygen cylinder and tubes fitted to aid her breathing. This has been her reality since the start of the national exams.

Each morning, Terry’s parents, Lucy Mumbi and Paul Njiru, wake up early to prepare her for the day. Unable to walk, Terry relies on a hired taxi service to transport her to and from school, located a few kilometers from their rented home.

“We want her to have the same opportunity as other students despite her health challenges,” said Lucy Mumbi.

Terry's father, Paul Njiru, shared how their daughter developed health complications at birth, preventing her from walking.

“When we realised she couldn’t walk, we took her to a special school, and she did well academically,” he said.

Despite earning excellent grades that could have gained her admission to a prestigious secondary school, her condition limited her options, leading her to enroll at King David Junior and Secondary School.

Last December, Terry's health worsened, resulting in hospitalisation and a discharge this year with the requirement to use oxygen to support her heart.

“She needs oxygen continuously to stabilize her condition, which has made life challenging for all of us,” said Njiru.

Since March, Terry, the only child in the family, has relied on oxygen therapy and costly medications.

“It has been a financial nightmare, but we do whatever it takes for our daughter,” Mumbi added, her voice heavy with emotion.

Susan Wambui, the coordinator of Kiambu Huduma Center and a family friend, has been mobilising support to cover some of the family’s expenses.

“This bright child deserves a chance to complete her education and receive proper medical care. We are appealing to well-wishers to assist and ease the burden on this struggling family,” she said.