KJSEA: Kirinyaga girl inspired by pilot who brought Raila home

 Captain Savirmaria Ondego who brought the body of the late premier Raila Odinga from India to Kenya. [Courtesy]

The best pupil from Kerugoya Municipality Schools in Kirinyaga county wants to be a pilot after being inspired by captain Savirmaria Ondego, a Kenya Airways pilot who commanded KQ203/RAO001 from India to Kenya.

The captain brought the body of the late premier Raila Odinga from India to Kenya.

According to Jasmine Wangechi Wang'ondu, it was inspiring for a woman to have such big dreams, be a pilot and more so fly such a big boeing."It was indeed highly emotional and historic for Captain Ondego to fly such a big Boeing,she inspired me in going for my dream of being a pilot and maybe be a captain like her in the future", She said.

She said through the encouragement by the schools director Solomon Munene on working hard,I was able to get 71 points;- Fulfiling my dream school that is Alliance girls

On points per subject, perfomance she got Mathematics-8, English 8 points,Kiswahili 8,Integrated Science -8,Agriculture-8,Social Studies-8, Christian Religious Education-8,Creative Arts and Sports-8,Pre-technical Studies-7 making the points to 71.

Jasmine Wangeci wangondu 71, Wangeci Ruby Stella 69, Wanjiru Sharleen Murugi 68.

At the Kerugoya Goodshepherd's Academy atleast 10(4 girls,6 boys) managed to get over 70 points,with 77 over 60 ,50 and above are 10 and 3 45 and above.

Kerugoya Good Shepherd Academy Director, John Mutonge, has urged the government to ensure fairness and transparency in the placement of learners who sat for the recently concluded Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA). Mutonge said all learners across the country go through the same curriculum and therefore deserve equal opportunities during Senior School placement.

Speaking during the school’s results briefing,  the director emphasised that a credible placement system will motivate both learners and teachers while strengthening confidence in the education sector. He said parents and schools invest heavily in preparing candidates, making it crucial for the process to be just and consistent for all.

Mutonge also called on parents to take extra care of their children during the festive season, noting that December is often filled with activities that may expose learners to risks. He urged parents to remain vigilant, guide their children wisely, and help them stay safe, saying their wellbeing is key to protecting their future.

While celebrating the school’s performance, the director revealed that Kerugoya Good Shepherd Academy had 100 candidates 47 boys and 53 girls sitting for the assessment. He noted that this was the first class to sit the KJSEA under the new curriculum, and the results reflected hard work from both learners and teachers.

Mutonge announced that 10 learners scored 70 points and above, marking a strong show for the school’s pioneer class.

He attributed the strong performance to the close cooperation between teachers and parents, noting that teamwork created a supportive environment for learners to excel.

A parent, Jason Kariuki, echoed the director’s call for fairness in Senior School placement. He said hardworking learners should not be disadvantaged by inconsistencies in the system, adding that equal opportunities would allow children to transition smoothly to the next stage of learning.