Pupils excel despite banditry in Baringo

Little Stars Academy had thirty one candidates that sat for their final class eight examination. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Three pupils from Chemolingot Primary in Tiaty have scored 400 and above in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exam.

For the better part of this year, Tiaty was plagued by insecurity but this did not kill the students' dreams.

The last time a candidate at Chemolingot Primary School scored over 400 was in 2012 when Michelle Lochum attained 412 marks.

Lochom's record has been broken by Lynn Lotodo who scored 416 marks. The school had 48 candidates.

Noordin Mohamed got 410 while Meshack Limamer got 406.

Speaking to The Standard on phone Lotodo, 14, said she travelled 21km to school every day. Her parents requested on of her teachers to live with her when she joined Standard Seven.

Her dream is to become a doctor.

She said that hard work pays and lauded her teachers for their tireless efforts to prepare them for the exams.

"My teachers and parents supported me in sharpening my success," she said.

Mohamed, 14, said the challenges in the area encouraged him as he believes the solution lies in him.

"I'm excited, I never imagined I would score over 400, I used to wake up as early as 4.30am to study to pass my examination," he said.

He explained that he endured cold mornings and the scorching sun during the day and this had paid off.

Mohamed's dream is to join Mangu Boys High School and become a pilot. That has been his dream since he was a child.

"I want to encourage someone that the environment doesn't determine your future, staying focused, disciplined, and trusting in Allah attributed to my success," he said.

The school head teacher Florence Lomariwo couldn't hide her joy. Ms Lomariwo said that during crackdowns on banditry children would miss school.

She said that the teachers stayed on despite insecurity concerns.

"We had no food, children were learning under difficult circumstances but today we want to glorify God for making them pass their exam," said Lomariwo.

At Kapindasum Primary in Baringo South the pupils realised a mean score of 325.46 compared to last year's 317.03. Though the learners were displaced from their school due to continuous banditry, the 32 learners had an improved mean grade.

June Kibei came first with 368 marks followed by Shadrack Kiplimo (366), Margaret Jepyegon (359) and Abraham Chesaru (359)

After they were displaced from home, the learners sat their examinations at Chemorongion Primary School.

Kapindasum head teacher Elijah Kiptoo said the insecurity, drought and hunger in the region did not kill the students' spirit.

"They were determined and not even banditry could kill their hopes, God intervened and awarded them victory," said the head teacher.