Celebrations rock Nyeri Good Shepherd Academy over impressive results

Nyeri, Kenya: Pauline Wakiuru, 13, may not have had a chance to celebrate with her former schoolmates at Nyeri Good Shepherd Academy following her excellent performance, but her absence was dearly felt.

Wakiuru is in South Africa where she went to visit her uncle, but the distance between Nyeri and South Africa was somehow bridged by the excitement that rocked her former school.

Her father, Mr Wilson Wachiuri who drove to the school immediately, said he called her daughter to inform her about her exemplary performance, a call which caused her to scream over the phone.

"She was so excited that she screamed in happiness immediately i disclosed the marks she scored. At one moment, she even disconnected the call before she called me again to confirm," said Wachiuri.

Wakiuru scored 437 of the possible 500, and by the time of going to press, she was the only candidate from the private academy which is situated in a cool, serene environment in King'ong'o Estate who had the highest marks.

"I am so proud and happy of my daughter. She has performed so well and according to my expectations," said Wachiuri.

Wakiuru whose dream is to become a neuro-surgeon intend to join Starehe Girls, Alliance or Precious Blood Girls-Riruta.

At the school, several former candidates arrived with their parents, and they all burst into celebrations with their former teachers and school directors.

Idah Mugure from Nanyuki was not left behind as she celebrated scoring 423 marks in this year's KCPE.

But as the adage goes, 'look back and smile at perils', she was quick to recount the long journey and challenges she went through.

"I am very happy and i owe it to my parents, teachers and my former classmates. It has been a tough journey since the year i joined nursery school," she said.

Mugure added: "I could not believe it after i sent a short Message Service (SMS) to a code that was provided by Education Cabinet Secretary Prof Joseph Kaimenyi and i received a confirmation message that i scored 423".

Mugure was at her home in Nanyuki, some 70 kilometres away, and she asked her parents to take her back to her school so as to join her former schoolmates in the celebrations.

"I want to join Kenya High School and then pursue university education since i want to be a surgeon," she said.

In the same school, Cynthia Gathoni, 13, who scored 421 marks said she owed her performance to her parents, teachers and the school community.

"They have helped me realise my dream, and the first stage is over and impressive," said Gathoni, whose ambition is to become a paediatrician," said Gathoni.

By the time of going to press, Nyeri Good Shepherd Academy had received calls from at least ten parents who said their children had scored more than 400 marks.

Peter Mwangi, the school principal said most of the callers claimed their children had more than 410 marks.

"We are happy about the performance, although lack of ranking has denied performers a chance to celebrate," said Mwangi.