79 –year-old who scored E in KCSE says he only went back school to learn how to read and write

Rufinus arap Taa who sat for the 2013 KCSE. [PHOTO: STANDARD/FILE]

By MERCY KAHENDA

NAKURU COUNTY: When he enrolled in Form One at Korabariet Mixed Secondary School in Kuresoi District in 2010, not many people thought he would make it to the end of the four-year secondary school course.

At 79 and not growing any younger, Rufinus arap Taa’s better years seemed to be behind him. What is more, all his classmates were virtually “his grandchildren.”

But not only did Taa , who was born in 1935 in Cheboin village, quickly adjust to the school routine, but he also struck instant rapport with his younger colleagues.

Taa sat his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) last year and scored a mean grade of E. But it was not all doom and gloom for the amiable Taa as he scored D- in History and Chemistry.

Taa could not hide his joy after receiving results.

“I have run the race and finished. I am happy,” he says.

Arap Taa said his main reason for going back to school was to learn how to read and write, which he has attained.

“Pastors take advantage of the illiteracy of their congregation to misinterpret the Bible, but now I am able to read and write English and Kiswahili on my own,” he adds.

Taa, who is a herbalist, said he still wants to open pharmacy or a herbal centre as many people cannot afford treatment in hospitals.

“I have been busy treating people and will continue,” he said.

He thanks his teachers whom he says encouraged him and also provided him with extra remedial classes and revision materials.

Herbalist

“I associated well with teachers and students who were so friendly. No one discriminated against me on the basis of age,” he acknowledges.

Before joining secondary school, Taa before had enrolled at Korabariet Primary School where he scored 266 marks with an A grade in Science.

The school’s principal Gideon Nyanchoga says Taa was disciplined and got along well with other students and teachers.

He was also in charge of First Aid and his skills as a herbalist would come in handy whenever students fell sick.