Terry Charity, a KCSE candidate at King David Junior and Secondary School in Juja, faces a unique challenge.
She has a very serious heart condition that she was diagnosed with when joined Form Three in 2023.
As serious as her condition is, Terry has to take her KCSE exams while under oxygen support.
It has been her way of life since the national exams began last week.
Terry's parents, Lucy Mumbi and Paul Njiru, said their day begins very early in the morning as they have to prepare their daughter for her exams.
“She was born just like any other kid but when she started walking, we realized she had difficulties. She has always been in and out of the hospital. In January 2023, she was diagnosed with a heart condition and we were told to buy her an oxygen cylinder,” Terry’s father said.
Terry is unable to walk. She needs help to get to school.
For that reason, her parents have to hire a taxi to get her to school from their rented home in Sewage Estate.
Rebbeca Ayuma, her teacher, says the school and Terry's colleagues have initiated ways to support her in the academic journey.
“We have set aside her private room where she studies before the exams begin to help her remember everything she has been taught. Her fellow students help her move to the common classroom”, Rebbeca said.
The cost of maintaining Terry on oxygen is taking a toll on the family.
Susan Wambui, one of the volunteers who is helping the family to manage the situation, appealed to Kenyans of goodwill to help the family in supporting Terry's recovery journey.
Terry's mother sells groceries to sustain the family. The amount is too little to cater for the costs of treatment as well as meet the family's needs.
"The oxygen cylinder costs 5500 to be refilled after every three weeks. The machine consumes a lot of power. The parents are paying roughly between Sh8,000 to Sh10,000 to KPLC monthly. Her medication is Sh8000 per month," Wambui added.
"She cannot use a public means. She has to use a taxi because of the oxygen which is 6000 per month and they also need food."
Those willing to support the family can do so via Terry's mum's number 0727,792, 560 (Lucy Mumbi Ndungu).
