The girl who topped 2019 KCSE exams

When the top performers were announced yesterday, the top girl in this year’s KCSE exams did not expect her name to feature among them.

Barasa Maryanne Njeri from Kenya High School, who scored an A of 87.087 points, was ranked the second best candidate nationally. She came hot on the heels of Buluma Wabuko Tony from Kapsabet Boys who emerged the best with 87.159 points.

A beaming Njeri said she was pleasantly surprised when she heard her name as the second best students in the Form Four exams. “I believed I would do well since I had done my part perfectly but I have to admit that I didn’t expect to be the second top student,” said the Kenya High champion.

The Kenya High School student led her school to scoop the top position with the most grade As (76) in this year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Examinations.

Celebrations broke out at the school following the announcement of the results by Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha.

Maryanne, who sat her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exams four years ago at Thika Road Academy and garnered 427 marks, said the success had not come easy.

“The journey has not been an easy ride, you have to go an extra mile,” said the 18 year-old who wants to pursue medicine.

Joy and pride

“I am beyond overwhelmed at this achievement. My teachers and family have played a great part to get me here,” said Maryanne. Maryanne’s mother, Jane Wambui, filled with joy and pride, described her daughter as one who has been consistent in her academic performance.

“I expected my daughter to do well, but I did not expect her to be the top girl. She has always been a prayerful girl; we used to pray together and we thank God for answering our prayers.... She is a very social girl who is always on her books,” she said.

A total of 699,745 students sat for this year’s examinations, which were concluded on November 27.