In Tie Roya village, Seme sub-county in Kisumu, one man’s difficult past is opening doors for dozens of vulnerable students.
For the last six years, Victor Ayoki has been helping bright but needy learners across the Nyanza region stay in school. He raises school fees through social media, support from friends, and often his own money. What started small has grown into a steady support system, with some students now in university.
“I started this in 2019. It’s not easy, it takes commitment because the need is overwhelming,” Ayoki says.
So far, six of the students he supported early on have made it to university. One of them caught the attention of a well-wisher in the United States after Ayoki shared her story online, showing how social media can connect need with generosity.
Right now, he is supporting 14 high school students.
Ayoki’s work is deeply personal. He lost his parents at a young age and was raised by his aunt, who struggled to keep him in school.
Although his father, Onyango Ayoki, once served as an MP in Kisumu Rural, his childhood was far from easy.
“That experience shaped me. I know what it means to struggle through school, and that’s why I help where I can,” he says.
Through platforms like Facebook, Ayoki shares students’ stories, linking them with well-wishers who help with fees, shopping, and basic needs. When support falls short, he steps in himself. One of the beneficiaries, Annette Achieng from Migori County, is now studying after being adopted by a U.S. supporter in 2024. She is also helping two other students and supporting her single mother.
Others are also making progress. Boniface Ochieng is studying Education at Kenyatta University, while Mitchel Adoyo is pursuing Medical Engineering at the same institution.
Vincent Ochieng is studying Public Health at Maseno University, and Judith Atieno is taking Linguistics and Mass Communication at Moi University. Cynthia Anyango is enrolled in Nursing at the Kenya Medical Training College.
At the secondary level, students are spread across schools such as Lugulu Girls, Dr. Ida Odinga Girls, Sinyolo Girls, Kasagam Secondary, and Sawagongo High School.
Many of them face serious challenges.
Seventeen-year-old Ningel Valentine Atieno, who scored 408 marks in her primary exams, joined Lugulu Girls through Ayoki’s support. She recently lost her mother and now lives with her father and three younger siblings as she prepares for her national exams. Despite everything, she is performing well and aims to score an A.
Ayoki also helped her get glasses, making it easier for her to study. With support from friends and well-wishers, he and his family also helped give her mother a dignified send-off.
Another student, 15-year-old Treazer Akinyi, is a total orphan living with her grandmother.
Despite the growing need, Ayoki keeps going.
“My passion for education drives me. What motivates me most are the well-wishers some pay fees, others provide basic needs. Together, we are changing lives,” he says.
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