Two families are celebrating as their pairs of twins have achieved remarkable success by scoring above 400 marks in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examination, marking the conclusion of the 8-4-4 system of education.
In one family, identical twins aged 13, took the examination at St. Peters Elite School in Gilgil, Nakuru county.
Nabaala Praise, who scored 420 marks, and Nabaala Precious, who scored 417 marks, were among the 36 pupils in the school who scored 400 and above.
Their father, Stephen Sururu, expressed his joy over the phone from a village in Narok county, stating that he decided to prioritise his daughters' education. As the chief of the Siana location in Narok, he emphasised leading by example to discourage early marriages and female genital mutilation (FGM).
"I decided to lead by example and not subject my daughters to early marriage and female Genital Mutilation," said Sururu.
He commended his daughters for their hard work, highlighting the dedication and support from his wife in ensuring their education. Sururu expressed his unwavering support for his wife's decision and emphasised providing everything necessary for his children's studies.
Sururu, a proud father, shared the challenges of leaving home in Narok at midnight to travel to Gilgil with their strict mother.
The twins expressed their happiness at achieving these results, attributing their success to hard work and the unwavering support of their parents.
Despite their inseparability, Praise aspires to join Kenya High School, while Precious aims to join Alliance High School.
Linet Yugi, the school headteacher, lauded the twins, describing them as a source of joy and encouragement to both fellow pupils and teachers alike.
"It is not common for identical twins to excel as the two did, and we are very proud," said Yugi.
Yugi said the twins engaged in healthy competition, consistently challenging each other in their studies, leading to both of them consistently topping their classes.
"When one girl topped the class in one term, the other would ensure she topped in the subsequent examinations," she explained. Yugi noted that although they started with equal marks when they joined the school in Grade 3, over time, they motivated each other, resulting in both improving academically.
Describing the two girls, Yugi emphasised their discipline, hardworking nature, and intelligence. She said they were exceptionally attentive, brave, and honest students.
In Kisumu county, Givens Neema Ochieng and Gayle Baraka Ochieng excelled in the exam. Givens, the President of CITAM Schools Kisumu, emerged as the top-performing pupil at the school, securing an impressive 417 marks, while his twin sister Gayle scored a stellar 401 marks.
Givens attributed her success to personal dedication and the supportive environment fostered by the school. She acknowledged the pivotal role played by her teachers.
Reporting by Daniel Chege, Julius Chepkwony and Washington Onyango
