Six Chickens for a Future: The Grandmother Whose Love Moved a Nation
In a touching display of love, sacrifice, and hope, a grandmother from Homa Bay County has captured the hearts of Kenyans across the country after she arrived at Adiedo Mixed Secondary School with six chickens—her humble attempt to settle a KSh 245,000 school fees debt for her two grandchildren.
Photos of the emotional scene quickly made their way online, showing the elderly woman seated beside her grandchildren, Mitchell and Hillary, as the school principal, James Kabarak, inspected the large, healthy chickens she brought. The poignant image of the three quietly waiting, chickens at their feet, spoke volumes about the desperate lengths many rural families must go to in pursuit of education.
The gesture, while symbolic, underscored a sobering reality: for many families, especially in Kenya’s rural areas, the dream of education often teeters on the edge of impossibility due to poverty.
But what began as a grandmother’s desperate plea soon transformed into a national movement of compassion.
A Nation Responds
Once the story went viral, Kenyans of goodwill rallied around the family. Online users flooded the school’s social media platforms with messages of support, many asking how they could help. Moved by the grandmother’s sacrifice, well-wishers requested a Paybill number, and soon, Adiedo Mixed Secondary School provided one:
• Paybill Number: 522123
• Account Number: 58545KMitchel/Hillary
Contributions began to trickle in. The story had clearly touched a nerve, reminding Kenyans of the daily struggles families endure to ensure their children stay in school. Among those moved by the story was the county leadership itself.
County Government Steps In
A day after the story gained national attention, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga stepped in with a powerful response.
“In the face of hardship, this grandmother stood tall with love and courage. We couldn’t just watch,” Governor Wanga stated during a compassionate visit to the school and the family’s home.
She confirmed that the county government would settle the remaining school fees balance of KSh 81,920 after a generous donor had already contributed KSh 50,000—reducing the initial burden from KSh 131,920.
But that wasn’t all.
“To secure their future,” the governor added, “we’ve enrolled both Mitchell and Hillary in the County Scholarship Program, which will support them through college. Every child, regardless of background, deserves an uninterrupted education.”
Her announcement was met with cheers and applause from local residents and education stakeholders. On social media, Kenyans praised her for the swift intervention and the compassion shown by the county government.
Voices of Hope
Speaking through tears, Mitchell, a Form Four candidate, could barely contain her gratitude.
“I couldn’t believe it when I heard the governor was coming to our home,” she said. “This means everything to us. Now I can finish my KCSE in peace and focus on becoming a nurse.”
Her younger brother Hillary echoed her sentiments. “I’ll work hard to make everyone proud. We are so grateful to be given another chance. I want to become an engineer someday.”
Their dreams, once clouded by financial uncertainty, now shine brighter thanks to the collective efforts of a community that refused to let them fall through the cracks.
A Wake-Up Call for Education Access
The story has triggered a national conversation about the state of education in Kenya—particularly in underserved communities. Many education advocates have called for systemic reforms to ease the financial burden on vulnerable families.
“How many more children are silently suffering, unable to speak up like Mitchell and Hillary?” one education expert asked during a panel discussion on a local radio station. “This story is a wake-up call.”
Eric Omondi Joins the Cause
Among the many Kenyans touched by the grandmother’s story was popular comedian and philanthropist Eric Omondi. Known for his passion for helping struggling families, Omondiquickly took to social media to amplify the story.
“Please help me find this mother,” he wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post. “If you know her, DM me or comment with her contact. Thank you.”
His post spread like wildfire. Thousands shared it, tagged friends, and offered to contribute. The online wave of goodwill was overwhelming, with fans and followers commending the comedian’s consistent efforts to use his platform for good.
“Pin the number, we are ready to help,” one user commented. “This story broke my heart,” another added. “We cannot let those children suffer.”
Omondi later confirmed that he had met the family personally. He pledged to walk with them every step of the way—not just by contributing financially, but also by mentoring the children and ensuring they remain focused on their dreams.
“This isn’t just about money,” he said. “It’s about giving hope and reminding every Kenyan child that they matter.”
More than Just a Story
What began as a quiet, desperate act—a grandmother with six chickens—has grown into a national symbol of resilience, compassion, and the power of collective action. In a time when headlines are often filled with division and hardship, this one story managed to unite a country.
It reminded us that education is not just a personal dream but a national priority—and that sometimes, the smallest gestures of love can open the biggest doors.
As Mitchell and Hillary return to school with newfound hope, their grandmother remains a quiet hero—her six chickens having done more than just ruffle feathers. They helped build a future.