WAJIR, Kenya — The top female student in Wajir County in 2025’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations has received a full university scholarship, clearing the way for her to pursue a medical degree at the University of Nairobi.
Hafsa Abubakar, who scored an A plain with 81 points, emerged as the county’s highest-ranked girl, earning qualification for competitive courses, including Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.
Despite her academic success, Hafsa’s future had remained uncertain after the release of results due to her family’s inability to finance the costly medical programme.
“With no clear path to university and no assurance of financial support, the results felt incomplete,” Hafsa said.
She explained that while she had considered alternative courses, her ambition had always been to study medicine.
“There are many alternative courses I can do, but I always believed that I could change something in the healthcare sector,” she said.
Hafsa’s interest in medicine began at an early age after witnessing patients in her home area struggle to access specialised healthcare services.
Following a public appeal for assistance, her story drew attention from leaders and members of the public. Days later, the Adan Keynan Foundation stepped in with a full scholarship, covering her entire university education.
Confirming the support, Hafsa said she will join the University of Nairobi in September, ending weeks of anxiety over her academic future.
“I want to go back home and give back to my people,” she said.
She pointed to the acute shortage of specialised medical services in Wajir County, noting that patients in critical condition are often referred to other counties.
“We all know how Wajir needs more surgeons. Many patients are transferred elsewhere and end up being overcharged,” Hafsa said.
According to her, families are frequently forced to travel long distances at short notice, incurring high medical and transport costs.
Beyond her own case, Hafsa used the moment to call for broader support for high-performing students from the county.
“There are many students who performed very well in KCSE in Wajir and want to pursue medicine but do not have the financial means,” she said.
She warned that some students are already considering abandoning their preferred courses due to lack of fees, urging leaders to invest in academically strong learners.
“Most of these students come from families that cannot raise university fees on their own, yet they can serve this county if supported,” she said.
Announcing the sponsorship, Adan Keynan praised Hafsa’s performance and background, describing her achievement as evidence that academic excellence is attainable regardless of circumstance.
“This achievement shows that excellence is possible through focus, hard work, and perseverance, even for students from humble backgrounds,” he said.
He said the foundation’s decision aligns with its mission to promote education and encourage students, particularly girls, to pursue demanding academic careers.
“In recognition of her academic performance and commitment to learning, the Adan Keynan Foundation will sponsor her entire university education,” he said.
Hafsa welcomed the support, saying it had lifted a heavy financial burden from her family and renewed her determination to complete her studies and return to serve her community.
She said timely access to education support can transform lives and strengthen underserved regions such as Wajir.
