Girls from Nyanza region maintained a sterling performance in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) for a second consecutive year as they beat the boys to top positions.
Most schools in the region posted improved results, with private schools bouncing back to the top ranks after trailing public institutions last year.
Last year, Nyanza’s best candidate, Linda Noel of Xaverian Primary School - a public institution from Kisumu - managed 433 marks followed by Terry Anita (430 marks) of St Peter’s Cape View, a private school in Homa Bay County.
Yesterday, 13-year-old Sarah Ondari from Elsa Academy in Kisii County was the toast of Nyanza with 442 out of a possible 500 marks. Ondari, who could not hide her joy as she was tossed in the air by her teachers and family, wants to be a neurosurgeon.
She was followed by Achieng’ Gift Janet from Makini School Kibos Academy in Kisumu with 439 marks. Lucy Busuru from Set Green Academy in Kisii County managed 438.
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Kisumu’s Golden Elites School maintained its good performance, with eight pupils scoring 400 marks and above.
Despite slipping from producing the best candidate, public schools maintained a good performance, with Kisumu’s MM Shah, Siaya Central Primary School and Xaverian posting impressive results.
Nicky Achieng’ of MM Shah, who got 432 marks, was among the best performers from public schools. Her colleagues Teddy Cyril and Felix Ochieng’ had 426 and 415 marks respectively. Xaverian’s best candidate, Anthony Odhiambo Origa, scored 412 marks followed by Zenah Vyulinah with 409.
In Kisii, Lucy, the first of four children in her family, said her dream was to join either Alliance Girls or Pangani Girls high schools and later pursue a degree in surgery.
“I thank God for the success. It has been hard work and patience,” said Lucy, whose father works with the Kenya Defence Forces.
She also thanked her English teacher for his moral support and encouragement.
Her aunt Fridah Nyanchama, who has been living with the girl since she was in Standard Four, said: “She has remained disciplined since she came to my home. Her journey to a better future has just begun.”
School proprietor Charles Mochama said the result was a true reflection of hard work. The school had 23 students who scored more than 400 marks.
Top pupils
Imperial Primary, another private school in Kisii, was among the best performing, with 11 pupils scoring more than 400 marks.
Shem Nyambane from Amabuko DOK, a primary school in Keroka, had 403 marks and was among the top pupils in public schools.
Another top pupil, Nyadwaro Nyandieki from Don Bosco Academy, had 428 marks. Alex Nadler from Elimu Academy had 431 marks and was among the top male pupils.
In Homa Bay County, there were celebrations at Janeiro Junior Academy after the school appeared to be the best in the county.
According to preliminary results obtained by the school teachers, Janeiro obtained a mean score of 400.78 marks. Those who got 400 marks and above numbered 23 out of the total 46 candidates.
Oyugi Rosemary Akoth, 13, was the leading candidate with 431 marks. Addressing journalists at the school yesterday, Rosemary said she hoped to join Kenya High School.
