Moi High School Kabarak led the pack of giants from Rift Valley in this year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination results released on Friday.
Kabarak, which had 16 students among the top 100 nationally – the most a single school produced – continued with its tradition of excellence. It was followed by Alliance High School with 13 students among the top 100.
Kamweru Mwangi Duncan Ian, who led the Kabarakcandidates, was ranked fourth nationally with 87.2899 points.
His classmates Mathenge Stephanie Kirigo, Ayodi Alfred Mugeyi and Matsotso Madlean Auma were among the top 20 nationally.
Others in the top 100 from Kabarak included Gathoni Wambui Jackline, Muiruri Gicheru, Ng’wono Calvin, Lee Kinoti, Ariko Abong, Mungai Gacoka, Ndegwa Mwangi, Rashid Shake, Too Sammy Kibet, Faith Jebet Kiprop and Waibochi Denis Rukwaro.
Kirigo, who was elated by the results, said she would want to pursue a course in Engineering at the University of Nairobi.
“I am so elated for the good results. Hard work and prayers finally paid off,” said Kirigo.
Matsotso and Ayodi would both like to pursue Medicine at the University of Nairobi.
The candidates said hard work and dedication from teachers at Kabarak made them post exemplary results.
School Principal Elisheba Cheruiyot, who led teachers and staff in celebrations of the results, attributed the good performance to hard work and discipline among students.
“They (students) worked hard and were disciplined throughout the year,” said Mrs Cheruiyot.
Kapsabet Boys High School in Nandi County also cemented its position by producing seven students among the top 100 performers nationally.
Whitney Nicanor Mabwi led the pack at position 13 nationally with a mean grade of 87.026, followed by Malit Griffins Kiprono (86.86) who was position 22 nationally.
Others in the top 100 from the school included Ian Kiplagat, Kiplongei Allan, Kiprop Fortunatus, Ngoge Wiliam Kaiser and Lusweti Luke Kerry.
Moments after the announcement, staff members who had turned up at the school burst into celebrations after recording several candidates with straight As upon downloading the results.
Kapsabet Boys had produced 26 straight As and several other A- (minus) by the time of going to press, beating a target of 20 As that had been set by the 2018 class of 331 candidates.
“This is an improvement compared to the three straight As we had last year. We had also scored a mean score of 9.3,” said Kipchumba Maiyo, the school Principal, who attributed the impressive results to teamwork and commitment among parents, staff and students.
Moi Girls High School Eldoret was also a top performer in the region, producing four candidates among the top 100 countrywide.
The top girls included Maera Angela Bosibori (86.071), Kemei Trizah Jebet (85.719), Grace Wanjiku Gicharu (84.836) and Ochieng Alice 84.8.
School Principal Loice Karoney said they received 14 As and 67 A- (minus) from the preliminary tabulation as they waited for more results. Some 344 candidates were registered for the exam.
“Our students sought favour and they posted impressive results. We thank God for the 2017 class,” said Karoney.
“Last year, we had 9 As and 47 A- (minus). The students have made us proud,” she said.
The principal lauded the government’s move to curb cheating by imposing strict guidelines.
And in Trans Nzoia County, it was double victory for St Anthony Boys Kitale, which posted good results just less than a week after scooping the Copa Coca Cola Africa soccer tournament, proving their excellence both in class and in extra-curriculum activities.
The school produced two students with straight As and 50 others with A minus.
Samuel Nyongesa Wafula and Bivan Kipkoech each posted A plain of a mean score of 81 to top in the school that had 347 candidates.
“We are happy with the results. We have confirmed two of our students have A plain and over 50 others with A- minus. This is a great achievement,” said Principal Victor Makanda.
Sing’ore Girls High School from Elgeyo Marakwet, which puzzled many in 2017 by emerging top across the country, did not produce any top student among the top 20 nationally.
In Baringo, Sacho High School, a private school, produced three As.
“The results are impressive and I am sure our mean score will be better than last year’s,” said school Principal Richard Moindi.
In Laikipia, little known Kisima Mixed Secondary School in Nyahururu town for the third time emerged among the best schools in the region.
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