Nelly’s Journey: From Fear to Hope
At just 16, Nelly from Bungoma proudly completed her Form 4 studies in 2025—a milestone that once seemed out of reach.

At just 16, Nelly from Bungoma proudly completed her Form 4 studies in 2025—a milestone that once seemed out of reach. For years, the shadow of unpaid school fees weighed heavily on her dreams, as her mother struggled to keep her in class.
Everything changed when the Maayi Mary Mbuya Foundation stepped in. Covering tuition, uniforms, and essentials throughout her four years of high school, the Foundation lifted a burden that had once clouded her future. With this support, Nelly flourished—discovering joy in Geography, Computer Studies, Kiswahili, and even tennis. She built lasting friendships with fellow sponsored students, sharing encouragement and exam papers that made the journey brighter and less lonely.
Her greatest breakthrough came in Mathematics. With extra mentorship and guidance, Nelly transformed her performance, proving to herself that perseverance and support could unlock new possibilities. Beyond academics, the Foundation’s impact reached her family too—empowering her mother to start pig farming and strengthen their household income.