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Police officers pay school fees for girl who walked 10km to seek help at station
What you need to know:
- The 19-year-old scored 55 points in the 2025 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).
- Fearing that she would miss out on Grade 10 admission, Sandra chose to seek help at a police station.
When Sandra Cherono walked into Kapsabet Police Station in Nandi County on Tuesday this week, what immediately came to the minds of officers present was that she had gone to report a crime and a complaint.
The officers’ assumption was understandable, as in most cases, people go to police stations whenever they have an issue related to crime that they wish to be helped with.
But in this case, Sandra had a totally different case. She had travelled over 10 kilometres to the station to seek help, not of a criminal case, but for lack of school fees to join Grade 10, which she hoped officers at the station would help.
Nandi County Police Commander Samuel Mukuusi (left) hands over learning materials and other personal effects to Sandra Cherono at Kapsabet Police Station on January 28, 2026.
The 19-year-old scored 55 points in the 2025 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and secured admission to Ndalat Gaa Girls High School in Mosop, Nandi County, but her parents were unable to raise school fees.
Fearing that she would miss out on Grade 10 admission, Sandra chose to seek help at an unusual place; a police station.
Dream of becoming a doctor
“I had stayed at home for two weeks [since other learners reported], then I made up my mind to come here to the police station. I met the officers, told them my story, and I am happy that they listened. I knew whatever the case, I would be safe,” Sandra said. “I did not tell anyone that I was coming here.”
The officers, touched by the girl’s resilience and determination, agreed to help ensure her dream of becoming a doctor remains within reach. Led by the county commander of police, they contributed amongst themselves to take the girl to school.
They not only raised enough to buy her uniforms and other personal effects but also offered to pay her whole year’s school fees.
In addition, the officers transported her to the school for admission, which is 40 kilometres away from the station.
“The officers took the issue from a positive perspective to see how to raise school fees, and I am happy to share our joy that the girl has proceeded to school, and we have given her whatever she needs. I also want to assure that this year, we are going to make sure she will go through her studies without any problems,” said Nandi County Police Commander Samuel Mukuusi.
Sandra Cherono (right), accompanied by Kapsabet Police Station officers, among them police constable Irene Chepkemoi (in pink), during her admission to Ndalat Gaa Girls High School on January 28, 2026.
Sandra, who is the firstborn in a family of two, has now been successfully admitted to Ndalat Gaa Girls. She lives with her 92-year-old grandmother in Kipture, Emgwen Sub-County.
The school’s principal, Susan Too, gave an assurance that the school will take good care of the girl.
"The girl has everything that was needed for admission. We will ensure the girl achieves her dream of being a doctor as she hopes,” the principal said.
She also welcomed the police officers’ gesture to help the needy girl.
“It is now up to the girl to make use of this opportunity and change the fortunes of her family," Nicholas Kirwa, a neighbour said.
“I also want to challenge police officers to relate well with members of the public through community policing which I believe will enhance the way we work and help address security matters,” added the county police commander.
