GARISSA – Bahja Ahmed Shale, a top student from Garissa County, has secured a full scholarship to pursue a medical degree, following her exceptional performance in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
Bahja, a former student of Saka Girls Secondary School, emerged as one of the top candidates in the national exams, scoring an impressive A- despite facing profound personal losses.
In an interview published by Kulan Post, Bahja shared the heart-wrenching story of her journey. In 2015, she lost her father, a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier, in the brutal Al-Shabaab attack on El Adde.
Just five years later, in 2020, she faced the tragic loss of her mother, who succumbed to the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, the 18-year-old has remained focused on her education and her dream of becoming a medical doctor.
Her resilience and academic success have inspired many, and Bahja’s achievements are a testament to her strength and determination.
Following the publication of the story, Bahja’s future has received a boost. Hass Petroleum, a leading regional oil marketing company in Africa, has stepped in to offer full sponsorship for her higher education.
CEO Mohamud Salat made the announcement on his official X account after the publication of her story on Kulan Post.
“The chairman and I assured her family that Hass Petroleum will undertake full sponsorship of her studies,” he said.
The scholarship will cover the full costs of her medical course, providing Bahja with an invaluable opportunity to realize her dreams of contributing to the healthcare sector.
Her story has been met with widespread admiration, for her academic prowess but and her ability to persevere through the toughest of circumstances.
Several leaders and community members have rallied behind Bahja, praising her resilience and the support from Hass Petroleum.
Amb. Mahboub Maalim, former chair of Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and Executive Secretary of IGAD, expressed his admiration for the achievement. He said, “I didn’t expect less! May Allah bless you and Hass. May this youngster achieve her dreams.”
He also noted the rarity of such gestures, especially given the successful businesses owned by people from the North Eastern Province (NEP), emphasizing how meaningful this support is.
Mr. Abdinoor Ole Hussein acknowledged Bahja’s success as a reminder of the untapped potential within individuals from marginalized communities.
“Bahja’s story is a powerful reminder of the greatness that lies within individuals, even in the face of adversity,” said Mr. Ole.
“With the support of her community and organizations like Hass Petroleum, I thank the leadership of the firm for assuring full scholarship to our sister Bahja to pursue medicine. May Allah bless you both abundantly.”
Abdulaziz Ogle took to social media, seeking to extend further support for Bahja. “Education is the game changer,” he posted on X.
“Kulan Post, please give us the details of this young lady so we can start an education fund for her, ensuring that she doesn’t succumb to early marriage. We want her to be a champion and triumph in the education sector, In shaa Allah,” he added.
