Goldalyn Kakuya from St Anne Junior School-Lubao in Kakamega, is this year’s Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination top candidate.
The 14-year-old girl, who is living with albinism, defied all challenges including stigma to score 455 marks out of a possible 500, to emerge the best in the country.
She scored 99 marks in English, Kiswahili (99), Mathematics (85) and Science (88).
When The Standard caught up with her on her way from Iten, where she had gone to visit her grandmother, Kakuya was overjoyed.
Beyond expectations
She was expecting to perform well in the examination, she said, but she was not expecting to be the top candidate in the country.
“It is amazing and fun to be the best candidate in the country. I expected to perform well but not to lead the whole country,” she said.
She narrated how she overcame challenges and stigma surrounding albinism to emerge the best.
“People around me including my fellow pupils, teachers and parents were friendly and encouraged me that albinism is just a condition and should not bar anyone from realising his/her dreams. They were very supportive and finally their efforts have paid off,” she said.
Her performance, she said, should inspire all persons living with albinism, and marks a major victory against stigma associated with the skin pigmentation condition.
“Albinism should not confine anyone in the house, people living with albinism should know that they are up to the task of doing better like any other person. They must break the myths and work hard,” she said.Kakuya was full of praise for her teachers, who she credited with her exemplary performance.
She said she was hoping to join MPESA Foundation Academy or Kenya High School for her secondary education.
“I want to be a psychotherapist or psychiatrist, I love anything related to the working of the human brain,” she said.
At her school, teachers broke into song and dance, saying it was the first time for the institution produced the top pupil.
“She has been leading in class since she joined this school. I expected good results from her and she has managed it, we are proud of her,” said Ibrahim Nambande, the head teacher.
Her father, Harrison Webo, who works at West Kenya Sugar Company, said his fourth born child had done him proud.“I have confidence that my child will join the school of her dream. She promised to work hard and she has done it,” he said.
In Trans Nzoia,Trevor Ombaso Osoro, 13, from Kitale School, led this years’ KCPE examination in the county with 434 marks.
The second-born in his family, who wants to be a neurosurgeon in future attributed his performance to hard work and determination.
“I did not expect anything less 450 marks. I aimed for the top countrywide but I’m happy with what I have attained and I thank God for the results,” said Osoro.
His mother, Hellen Mongire, described him as an industrious and confident boy who loves reading.
“We knew he was going to pass the exams,” she said.
Osoro follows in the footsteps of his sister, Trizer, who was among the top KCPE students in the county last year with 400 marks.
