The First Grader

In 2003, the Kenyan Government announced universal and free education and parents from around the country rushed with their children’s birth certificates in an effort to get them enrolled in school.

At the Kapkenduiywo Primary School in the village Eldoret an unlikely student sought admission and even though he was turned away several times he persevered and upon admission created history. Eighty-four-year-old Kimani Maruge turned up at the school and was told he was too old but he whipped out a newspaper article which indicated that free elementary education was available for all.

He was told he had to have books and a sharpened pencil. He left and returned the following day armed with these. He was again turned away and told he had to be dressed in