Uncertainty engulfs Nandi family as bright girl is denied High School admission for being albino

By , K24 Digital
On Tue, 13 Jul, 2021 19:36 | < 1 min read
Winnie Jelimo and her father Samwell Kipruto. PHOTO/JAMES GITAKA

15-year-old Winnie Jelimo from Koisolik village in Nandi County who completed her KCPE examination in March this year has her hopes of joining Form One hanging in the balance after a number of schools denied her admission for being an albino.

Jelimo who scored 347 marks is among many young people living with albinism in Nandi county who continue to face discrimination from government schools.

“We have tried to secure an admission slot for her in a number of secondary schools in vain. Many have said they cannot admit her due to her condition. I think albinism should not be the reason to deny her right to education,” her father, Samwell Kipruto said.

Jelimo who was studying at Ilula Primary School in Eldoret was hoping to join Chepterit Secondary school in Nandi County and later pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor, but with each passing day, her dreams are fading away.

“My colleagues have secured their admissions to join Form One in various Secondary schools but I am left wondering what I did wrong to deserve this" Jelimo told K24 Digital.

"Though I have not sought admission in Chepterit High School, it had been my dream school," Jelimo said when asked where she would love to undertake her secondary studies.

Jelimo’s mother Viola Chebitok is also worried about her daughter.