The 2024 KCSE celebrations at Katheka Kai Secondary School in Machakos County were not just about top grades; they also celebrated a heartwarming story of resilience and determination.
At the center of this inspiring narrative is 18-year-old Simon Kioko, affectionately known as “Mr. Rabbit,” whose innovative approach to overcoming financial challenges has touched the hearts of his community and beyond.
Kioko’s journey to success is nothing short of remarkable. Despite facing significant life struggles, including financial hardship and the inability of his parents to pay school fees, he emerged as one of the school’s top performers. His success was made possible through sheer determination, hard work, and an entrepreneurial spirit that saw him rear and sell rabbits to fund his education.
Simon Kioko’s life took a transformative turn in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then a Standard 8 pupil, Kioko began rearing rabbits as a means of generating income. Starting small, he soon built his rabbit-rearing venture into a sustainable business, housing up to 150 rabbits at its peak.
“I started rearing rabbits during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020,” Kioko shared. “By the time I joined secondary school, I had 150 rabbits. However, the number reduced because I spent less time taking care of them as I was busy with school.”
Kioko’s commitment to his education was matched by his entrepreneurial spirit. Selling rabbits weighing 1.5 kilograms at KSh 1,000 each, and those weighing up to 2.5 kilograms at KSh 1,500, Kioko managed to earn between KSh 8,000 and KSh 10,000 in a good month. These earnings went directly toward paying his school fees, enabling him to complete his studies without financial support from his parents.
“My parents couldn’t pay school fees for me or my brothers,” Kioko explained. “But I used the money from selling rabbits to pay my way through school.”
Kioko’s journey was not one he walked alone. His efforts were bolstered by the support of Katheka Kai Secondary School’s principal, Margaret Owaka. The principal not only provided moral support but also became one of his main customers, buying hundreds of rabbits from Kioko over the four years.
“I am happy to have supported Simon,” Principal Owaka said. “It’s inspiring to see a young person so determined to achieve his dreams despite the odds.”
Kioko’s mother, Jesinter Manthi, also expressed her gratitude to the principal. “I had a problem raising fees for Simon and his brothers. Simon paid his own fees using the money he made from selling rabbits. I never paid a coin for his education.”
The sacrifices extended beyond Kioko himself. His siblings, unable to afford school fees, dropped out for a year to ensure Simon could focus on his studies. This act of familial solidarity underscores the collective effort that went into his journey.
Despite the challenges, Simon Kioko’s resolve remains unshaken. He dreams of becoming a civil engineer and plans to expand his rabbit-rearing business to over 250 rabbits before joining university.
“My goal is to scale up my rabbit business while I prepare for my university education,” Kioko said confidently.
Kioko’s story was not the only highlight of the school’s KCSE celebrations. Other students also demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination.
Brian Mutinda and Augustine Kioko, who both scored a B plain, shared their challenges and aspirations.
“I wanted an A, but I scored a B plain,” Mutinda said. “I faced many challenges, including walking long distances to school and a tough exam environment. I hope to become a mechanical engineer.”
Augustine, on the other hand, dreams of becoming a Catholic priest. He expressed gratitude to the school’s principal for the unwavering support that helped him overcome numerous obstacles.
Principal Margaret Owaka reflected on the school’s overall performance, noting that while there were successes, the challenges students faced were immense.
“Fifteen students qualified for university, which is a significant achievement considering the circumstances,” she said. “However, we expected more students to attain a C+ and above. Our pre-mocks showed 45 students were capable, but the final results were lower than expected.”
The principal attributed this to the stressful conditions under which many students studied and sat for their exams.
“Some of our students come from extremely poor backgrounds,” Owaka explained. “They walk long distances to school and often rely on the meals provided here as their only source of food.”
She also highlighted the financial burden the school carried, with some students leaving behind fee arrears of up to KSh 200,000.
Katheka Kai Secondary School’s KCSE story is a testament to the resilience of students, teachers, and the community. Despite financial hardships, long commutes, and challenging study environments, students like Simon Kioko and his peers showed that determination and community support can overcome even the most significant obstacles.
For Principal Owaka, the journey of transforming the school has been a fulfilling one.
“In the three years I’ve been here, I’ve seen improvements in academics, discipline, and infrastructure,” she said. “These successes give me hope for an even brighter future.”
Simon Kioko’s story is more than just a tale of personal triumph; it is a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity. His entrepreneurial ingenuity, combined with unwavering determination, enabled him to not only secure his education but also inspire others to pursue their dreams against all odds.
As Kioko prepares to embark on his next chapter, his story will undoubtedly continue to motivate his peers and community to strive for greatness. His journey reminds us all that with determination, support, and creativity, no dream is too big, and no challenge is insurmountable.
