School in West Pokot border area posts impressive KCPE results

KCPE supervisor carrying examination papers [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

A school at the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet overcame several odds to post an impressive mean score in the 2021 KCPE.

Kamelei Primary School pulled a surprise after it posted a mean of 305.

The school that is usually a rescue centre following perennial banditry attacks had 115 candidates. School head Mr Solomon Kiplagat said that was an above-average performance.

He said most pupils did not attend school regularly, as their parents often migrated to safer ground following banditry attacks, causing the learners to miss classes. “Although we dropped this year, we thank God for the exemplary performance. We had 15 pupils scoring above 350, 47 between 300 and 349, another 44 getting between 250 and 299, while only nine scored below 250 marks,” he said. He said neighbouring Pstonu and Kapushien primary schools got above 200 mean score.

In Nandi, candidates from Nyinyira Primary School scored average results. According to the school headteacher Mr Silvestre Bett, the leading candidates had 266 marks. “We have received only the top performers, but yet to get for the rest of the pupils,” he said.

The 25 registered candidates sat the exams at a neighbouring school 10km away. According to the headteacher, due to lack of learning materials, the school had to rely on borrowed materials.

“They were not adequately prepared for the KCPE though their confidence was so promising... We were forced to shift them to the neighbouring school, where they sat for papers in a comfortable examination centre,” said Mr Bett.

Two months ago The Standard highlighted the plight of Nyinyira Primary School community on the Nandi-Kisumu border, which had dilapidated classrooms depended on by 150 pupils.

Mr Bett said shortage of new syllabus course books was the key reason behind the dismal performance. “There was only a single book for each subject. The teachers had a rough time sharing a course book with 25 pupils a class, but they taught by dictating notes or writing on chalkboard,” stated Mr Bett.

He claimed that he had to visit some neighbouring schools and took some photos for the new syllabus books to help in teaching. He said the school had started receiving funding to build modern permanent structures and expand the school compound. “We are also looking forward to registering 19 candidates and using the money to buy new syllabus books that would enable them to perform well,” he said.