NGURUNIT, MARSABIT— The Kenya Drylands Education Fund (KDEF) has pledged full sponsorship for 14-year-old Lparakuoni Lepeere from Laikipia County, who recently went viral on social media as “Siritai”, the young Maasai cultural icon.
Lparakuoni made headlines after publicly stating he had no intention of continuing with school, a decision that sparked widespread debate online about the future of pastoralist children and cultural preservation.
Announcing the sponsorship during inter-county basketball and volleyball games for youth from Marsabit and Samburu at the KDEF camp in Ngurunit, KDEF Director Ahmed Kura said the organization will fund the boy’s education to completion.
“The aim is to give hope to children facing challenges and ensure talent and dreams are not lost due to lack of finances,” Kura said.
The tournament brought together more than 28 teams from Samburu and Marsabit counties.
Kura said the games are aimed at promoting peace, love and unity among youth through sports.
Kura also distanced himself from politics, saying he has no plans to vie for office and will focus on education in ASAL areas.
He said he had previously considered running for Laisamis parliamentary seat but decided to wait.
His priority, he added, is leading KDEF and investing in education and school infrastructure in dryland areas.
He called on the county governments of Marsabit and Samburu to work closely with the national government and partners to improve education in ASAL regions, noting that progress requires collaboration between government, organizations and communities.
Kura spoke during the official launch of a modern science laboratory built and fully funded by KDEF at Ngurunit Secondary School.
The facility is expected to improve science learning and give students access to practical training.
