The genius of human anatomy student

By Fatuma Fugicha

He was a second year student at University of Nairobi when he got a First Class intercalated degree in human anatomy for scoring distinctions in human anatomy, medical physiology and biochemistry.

An intercalated degree is an award given to the bright students who exhibit a deep understanding in their area of study and score excellent grades. "Academic success depends on individual efforts and dedications," says Mr Paul Bundi Karau.

Cut above

The fourth year Bachelor of Science in Human Anatomy student has been a cut above his classmates.

Even though he was from the little-known Kenyakine Secondary School in Meru, he was the top KCSE candidate in 2002 with 84 points (A). He went to KK Tharaine Primary School and scored 561 of 700 marks in KCPE.

Bundi, 24, says genius is one per cent inspiration and 99 per cent perspiration. " I started off as an average student and at one point could only manage a B in examinations but hard work turned things around," he says.

The fourth born in a family of eight, attributes his outstanding achievements to discipline, proper time management, intelligence and family support especially his brother, Mr Geoffrey Muriira, a principal research officer at Kenya Bureau of Standards.

He says his brother mentored him in science and mathematics.

Other mentors are the Chief Government Pathologist Moses Njue, obstetrician Machoki and immunologist Njagi Ephantus both of UoN.

Bundi spends most of his time dissecting cadavers, attending lectures and giving motivational talks on academic excellence and writing.

Academic success

He edits Kenyatta National Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit publication and has published a book: The Journey to Academic Success, which draws on his experiences a top scholar and a motivational speaker.

He is working on a second motivational book.

His interest in academia has seen him attend science and leadership conferences in Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, and South Africa.

In South Africa, he presented an article on Female Genital Mutilation among the Meru: the Hidden Agenda and its Risks in the Era of HIV and Aids.