Top performer in KCPE wants to become an engineer

2019 KCPE top performer nationally Andy Michael Munyiri with 440 marks Damacrest Schools - Nairobi after the results were announced while on holiday with his granparents in Kieni, Nyeri County, Nov 18, 2019. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

There was jubilation at Maragima village in Kieni, Nyeri County after Andy Michael Munyiri emerged the best candidate nationwide in this year's Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exam.

Women burst into ululations as they celebrated Munyiri, who scored 440 marks out of a possible 500.

Some 1,088,986 candidates sat the Standard Eight examinations. 

Munyiri, who sat his exams at Damacrest Schools in Thogoto, Kiambu County, said he did not expect to be the best candidate countrywide, but knew he would do well. 

“I am just happy. I knew I would post good results, but I didn’t expect to be the best student in the country,” said Munyiri, who was visiting his grandparents when the results were announced.

The first-born in a family of four attributed his performance to hard work and discipline, adding that his family has been very supportive.

“I got overwhelming support from my family and I did not want to disappoint them. They prayed for me and I believe that led to my good performance,” he said.

He aspires to join Alliance High School and later Havard University in the US.

“I want to be an automotive engineer. I love cars and I would like to handle automobiles after completing school,” he added.

Munyiri’s mother Grace Ng’ang’a said she expected the boy to do well since he always excelled in school. 

“He has consistently been a top performer. We kept encouraging him and he has not failed us,“ said Ms Ng’ang’a. 

Ng’ang’a said Munyiri is of good character at home and at school and gets along with everyone.

“His parents were still in university when he was born. I took care of him until they completed school. I prayed for him and he has made us proud as a family,” said Munyiri’s grandmother who raised him up.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga congratulated the boy and promised that the Nyeri county government would cater for his education.