A 20-Year-Old’s Struggle for Survival
A 20-year-old man from the Ruiru area of Kiambu County is currently appealing for help after being forced to drop out of college and live on the streets. Brian Maingi Mbithi, who once had hopes of building a better future, now finds himself in a dire situation, struggling to survive without support.
Brian shared his story with a news outlet, explaining that he had to leave college because he could no longer afford the tuition and accommodation fees. Earlier this year, he was able to secure admission to Skyworld Aviation College in Ngong, Kajiado County, after raising enough money through the generosity of well-wishers. He used the funds to pay for two months of tuition and accommodation, buy some essentials, and settle into his new environment.
However, things quickly took a turn for the worse. Brian explained that the school required students to participate in compulsory trips, which were not sponsored by the institution. As someone with limited financial resources, he could not afford to go on these trips, which left him falling behind in his studies. This made it increasingly difficult for him to keep up with his classmates, especially in his travel and tourism management class.
The challenges only grew when Brian's mother, his sole guardian, fell ill in March. She was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with cancer after weeks of pain and suffering. Unfortunately, she passed away shortly after, leaving Brian completely alone and without any support system.
Financial Hardships and Employment Barriers
Brian has faced numerous obstacles since losing his mother. He noted that due to his disability, many employers are reluctant to hire him, often doubting his ability to perform effectively because of his leg. He has tried working at construction sites, car washes, and other low-paying jobs but has never been accepted.
His efforts to make ends meet have been futile. To stay in school, he sold his phone and other belongings, but it was not enough to cover his expenses. Eventually, he was forced to drop out and return to his village in Machakos. However, his hopes of finding a stable place to live were crushed when he discovered that his mother’s house had collapsed.
Brian then returned to Nairobi, hoping to find shelter with a friend in Ruiru. Instead, he ended up homeless, hungry, and sick. He has recounted several instances where he was attacked by thieves while sleeping on the streets. His current situation is dire—he sleeps in the market in Ruiru, feels like his days are numbered, and is constantly hungry and sick.
A Call for Help
Brian has no phone and relies on borrowing one from a market vendor to reach out for assistance. He has also mentioned that he can be contacted at 0759740891 if anyone is willing to help.
In a separate report, another individual shared a similar struggle. A young girl revealed how her mother became paralyzed, leaving her to care for her alone. Her father abandoned them, forcing her to take on the responsibility of providing for both herself and her mother. The girl reached out to a public figure, who shared their story and urged Kenyans to offer financial support.
These stories highlight the harsh realities faced by individuals who are left without support or resources. They underscore the importance of community solidarity and the need for more accessible opportunities for those in vulnerable situations.