Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs has fully paid one year’s school fees for Teddy Kahindi, the son of visually impaired mother Stella Kadzo from Malindi. This act came after NTV Kenya aired a touching story about Mama Stella’s struggle. She walked with her son to Shimo La Tewa High School in Mombasa to secure his Grade 10 slot, even though they had no money for fees, a uniform, stationery or a box.
Mama Stella, who is 52 or 54 depending on the report, has begged on the streets of Malindi for nearly two decades to feed and educate her five children. She lost her sight due to illness in her youth.
Teddy scored 53 points in the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment. He wants to study hard and become an artist one day. The family could not afford the required KSh 53,544 for the full year at the C1 senior school, formerly a national school.
The story moved many Kenyans when it broke on January 12, 2026. The principal, Mathew Mutiso, welcomed them and agreed to hold the slot while appealing for help. He said it was a unique case of a blind mother showing strong faith in her son’s future. The school sits along the New Malindi Road, about 15 km from Mombasa.
PS Jacobs, who leads the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, spoke to Mama Stella personally this morning. He wanted to encourage her.
In his statement, he thanked NTV for highlighting the story. He said his team will soon deliver all the required shopping items. On Friday, he plans to escort Teddy to school himself to start the new chapter.
This help comes quickly. Jacobs, a young leader from Kilifi County, has focused on youth empowerment. He was appointed PS at 28 and has worked on programmes to support young people.
His action shows a direct response to a community need. Other well-wishers from Kilifi have joined in too. For example, MCA Shella Ward and Twahir Abdulkarim helped with shopping. Some promised to support Teddy through university.
Mama Stella’s determination touched hearts. She travelled by bus from Malindi to Shimo La Tewa. Teddy guided her step by step. They arrived with hope but no funds.
The principal noted their effort and assured them the place would stay open. The story spread fast online. Many asked for paybill details to contribute. Now, with Jacobs stepping in, Teddy can join his peers without delay.
Shimo La Tewa has been around for a long time and is a boys’ senior school. It has 121 acres and has had famous alumni. This means that Teddy can get a better education in a structured setting. His mother thinks that doing well here could help the family get out of poverty.
This instance shows how hard it is for many people in Kenya to get an education. Even if the government gives money to families, some still have trouble with extras. Stories like this make people and leaders want to do something. Jacobs’ rapid answer is a good example. It shows how one person’s voice on TV can make a difference.
Teddy now looks forward to classes. Mama Stella has hope again. The community watches to see how he settles in. More support might come as the story spreads further.
