Top performers share secrets, future dreams

 

Leah Njoki  of Mother of Mercy Girls Secondary School in Njoro ,Nakuru county being lifted in celebration by teachers and  students  at the school on January 10, 2025, after getting impressive performance in the KCSE examinations. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The top performers of last year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination have shared how hard work, dedication, and discipline propelled them to success.

On Friday, several of these top performers were bubbling with joy as they envisioned pursuing their dream courses in the country’s top universities.

In Trans Nzoia, three students who achieved A plain attributed their success to sheer hard work and dedication. They are optimistic about pursuing a course in medicine and surgery.

Coincidentally, Valerius Kiplagat, Bruce Gatahi, and Brighton Owinga are all the firstborn children in their respective families.

Kiplagat scored a mean grade of A of 82 points from St Anthony’s Boys Kitale, while Gatahi and Owinga also achieved the same from St Joseph’s Boys National School, Kitale.

Kiplagat expressed his excitement about the results and looked forward to pursuing a medicine course at the university. “I worked smart and hit my target. My journey to becoming a medic is almost a success. I thank my parents and teachers for their much-needed support,” said Kiplagat.

READ: List of top performers in 2024 KCSE exams revealed

His father, Thomas Kigen, a businessman, described his son’s success as a blessing to the family.

“He is a disciplined boy, and we expected good results from him,” said the excited father.

Gatahi, 18, attributes his excellent performance to extensive revision and a conducive environment provided by the school principal Cosmas Nabungolo.

“The principal provided us with revision papers and created an enabling environment for us. This contributed greatly to my achievement,” Gatahi told The Saturday Standard.

At the Coast, Grace Sidi Karisa from Kilifi North sub-county, a former student at Bahari Girls, scored an A of 83 points and was celebrated by her local community.

“I dedicated extra time to studying. I wanted to prove that coming from a humble background would not stop me from achieving my dream,” she said.

Grace is proud to be a role model not just for girls in Kilifi County, but for the entire country. She aspires to join the University of Nairobi and pursue neurosurgery after witnessing many patients with neurological disorders.

She encourages her schoolmates to keep working towards their dreams, sharing that her father, Pascal Karisa, played a crucial role in her success by offering constant encouragement and support. “I made sure to stay close to her, checking on her progress and celebrating her achievements,” said Karisa.

Bahari Girls Principal Mary Hamaro expressed her excitement over the school’s performance, noting that it included one A plain, 14 A minuses, and several B plus and C grades.

“I am thrilled because history has been made while I am leading the school. Last year, we did well, and this year we’ve done even better. We are deeply grateful to God, the parents, and the Ministry of Education,” she said.

In Western Kenya, Derick Kipn’geno of Maranda High School achieved an impressive A of 84 points, attributing his success to hard work and integrity. He plans to study Computer Science. “I visited the school to pick a letter to study abroad when the results were announced,” he shared.

Another standout student, Alvan Adinda, who scored an A- from Alliance High School, is determined to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“My father is a civil engineer, and I’m looking forward to pursuing Civil Engineering,” said Adinda, who credits his performance to hard work, determination, and prayers.

Seventeen-year-old Stacy Owino, a former student at Aluor Girls Secondary School in Siaya, scored a mean grade of A-. Owino, hailing from Got Agulu sub-location in Usigu, attributes her excellent results to hard work and a solid educational foundation. She aspires to pursue medicine to help her community.

Enock Henric Odhiambo from Kisumu Boys also excelled, attributing his success to his teachers and hard work. “My teachers were always willing to guide me,” he said.

Kisumu Boys Principal Austine Okelo expressed satisfaction with the results, acknowledging that while they expected good performance, Odhiambo’s A grade was a pleasant surprise.

In Bungoma, the administration of Friends School Kamusinga Boys attributed their good performance to discipline, teamwork, and support from stakeholders. The school achieved a mean score of 9.8, up from 9.3 in 2023.

With a student body of 417, the school recorded 47 A plains, 111 A-, and several other strong results.

“We are committed to improving every year, guided by discipline, teamwork, and support from parents and the community,” said Chief Principal Paul Weloba.

ALSO READ: 2024 KCSE stars: Hard work and discipline led to our success

In Kakamega, Butere Girls, the county’s only national school, posted a mean score of 8.7, a slight decline from last year’s 9.1.

St Mary’s Mumias Girls School also made a notable improvement, achieving a mean score of 8.2, up from 7.2 the previous year. The school recorded 11 A minuses, 40 B pluses, and several B grades.

Principal Monica Buchichi attributed the school’s success to the determination of students, teachers, and parents, as well as a strong focus on discipline.

“When I joined the school two years ago, we had issues with pregnancies, but with the help of parents, we implemented a strict Memorandum of Understanding to prevent indiscipline,” she explained.

Kakamega High School showed a remarkable performance, improving its mean score from 7.7 to 8.1.

Dr Julius Mambili, the Chief Principal, attributed the success to discipline, resilience, and determination,

[Report by Osinde Obare, Isaiah Gwengi, Caroline Chebet, Olivia Odhiambo, Benard Lusigi, and Brian Kisanji]