Top girl in exam hopes to become an astronaut

Ashley Momanyi celebrates with teachers at Makini School. [Collins Oduor]

The second best pupil in the 2021 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) wants to be an astronaut.

Ashley Momanyi, who scored 427 marks, was all smiles after getting her results.

Parents and teachers at Makini School, Kibos, broke into song and dance to celebrate Ashley's good results.

Ashley wishes to join Kenya High.

“My dream is to become an astronaut. I love space and stars and I believe that is where my interest lies,” she said amid smiles.

The pupil credited her exemplary performance to hard work and discipline, which she said played an integral role in her quest to excel in the national exams.

Not even the disruptions brought by the Covid-19 pandemic that paralysed learning affected her resolve to excel.

She said she spent most of her time studying.

Her teachers and parents were full of praise for her, and said that she was a hardworking pupil who dedicated her time to learning.

Godfrey Momanyi, her father, described her as inquisitive and hardworking.

“She was consistent in her performance and we knew she would perform well.

"The teachers also played an integral role, especially during the pandemic where they even held online classes,” said Momanyi.