Top KCSE girl puts Bungoma village on the map

By Allan Kisia

Velma Nanyama put a tiny village in Bungoma in the spotlight after she emerged the best girl in last year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.

Nanyama’s home in Sango resembled a tourist attraction, as it drew a cross-section of visitors.

Traditional Luhya song, Mwanawamberi, rent the air. She was the number four top national candidate.

"I have never been this happy. I feel like I am on top of the world," she said.

Velma at her rural home with friends and relatives when she received news of her KCSE results, on Tuesday. Photo: Benjamin Sakwa/ Standard

Nanyama, who was a student at Kenya High School in Nairobi, wants to study medicine at the university.

Nanyama, who is working as an untrained teacher at Sigalame Primary School in the village, was in class when she received the news.

She teaches Standard Four pupils mathematics and science.

Sabela Kongani, one of her students, described Nanyama as a "determined person".

"Apart from being very strict, she makes us understand mathematics," she said.

Nanyama said her secret was paying attention during lessons and teamwork.

"I was not a bookworm and will not encourage others to be," she said.

Her father, Mr Joseph Mokhongo, said he was pleased with the news.

"My investment at Kenya High has yielded good results," he said.

Elsewhere, Rodgers Andati sparked dance and jubilation in Mumias, after it emerged he was the top boy in Western Province.

Andati, who was a student at Booker Academy, ranked 66^{th nationally. He also wants to study medicine.}

"I particularly want to be a surgeon," he said.

Booker Academy Principal John Ondera said Andati was committed and disciplined.

"He was always number one except for one time," said Ondera.