Nandi County has produced two candidates among the top ten best performers nationally in the 2020 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams results announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha on Thursday.
Laureen Chepkemboi Tarus of St Mathew’s Septonok Primary School in Mosop Sub County and Abiud Kipkurui of Lessos Adventist School in Nandi Hills Sub County emerged first and second with 431 and 430 marks respectively.
Speaking to the KNA at the school grounds after receiving the results, Tarus attributed her success to hard work, prayer, discipline and dedication.
“I never expected to become the best in my County as well as the region and position six nationally. Things have been hard during this Covid-19 pandemic but through God’s grace, we managed to overcome,” she said.
Tarus noted that her parents and teachers believed in her and always encouraged her to work hard. “This is a dream come true. I give credit to my teachers because they prepared us well for the exams,” said the girl who aspires to become a Cardiologist.
Teachers at the school said the girl’s performance was an encouragement and a clear indication that girls can compete with boys effectively as long as they are accorded the required support. Kipkurui, aged 15, comes from a very humble background managed to shine despite family challenges.
He says that he had a personal timetable which helped him to study even when schools had been closed due to the pandemic. His ambition is to become a Neurosurgeon. “There is nothing that comes without hard work. I was confident that I would score high marks because I was working hard, “stated Kipkirui.
Kipkurui thanked his guardian Mr Geoffrey Kotutwo, a teacher in a private school, who encouraged him to work hard.
Kotutwo describes Kipkirui as a humble, hardworking and determined boy.
Nandi County Director of Education Mr Zachary Muriithi said they are very happy having produced two top students nationally.
Muriithi said the County has done well which translates to 20 per cent nationally adding that their efforts have rewarded them.
“Indeed we are the source of champions. Everybody is very happy and we intend to keep the pace. We thank teachers, parents and candidates who worked hard to ensure we emerge victorious,” said an overjoyed Muriithi.
The County had a total number of 28,463 students who sat for this year’s national examination. Out of which 14,311 were boys and 14,152 were girls.
By Linet Wafula and Ruth Mainye
