KCPE stars shine brightly, maintain top scores in KCSE four years later

Allan Wainaina of Nairobi School celebrates with relatives at their home in Kiamunyi, Nakuru County on January 9, 2026. He scored an A of 83 points in the 2025 KCSE examinations and got 400 marks in KCPE examinations four years ago. [Daniel Chege, Standard] Four years after sitting their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations, a cohort of former top pupils has once again risen to the occasion, posting outstanding results in the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. Their journeys, marked by resilience, discipline and perseverance, reaffirm the belief that early academic promise, when nurtured, can translate into sustained excellence. Topping the list is Magata Bruce Mackenzie, who emerged as the top KCPE candidate nationally in 2021 after scoring an impressive 428 marks at Gilgil Hills Academy. His transition to Alliance High School, one of Kenya's most competitive national schools, came with immense expectations. Yet Bruce rose above the pressure, attaining a straight A (84 points) in the 2025 KCSE examination. "The transition was not easy because expectations were very high," Bruce said. "I learned that consistency and humility matter just as much as intelligence." Bruce now hopes to pursue Telecommunications Engineering, citing the rapid growth of the global digital economy as his motivation. "Going with the trends in the digital market, my urge is to become a telecommunications engineer. It has been my preferred profession since I joined high school," he added. Close behind him is Momanyi Ashley Kerubo, who scored 427 marks in KCPE 2021 at Makini School before joining Kenya High School. She matched Bruce's performance with a plain A (84 points), further cementing her position among the country's academic elite. Education analyst Dr. Emmanuel Manyasa said the two exemplify academic continuity. "These candidates proved they were not one-time stars. They confirmed that top KCPE performance, when nurtured well, can translate into KCSE success," she noted. Twin excellence A rare and inspiring story of twin excellence also stood out in the 2025 KCSE results. Maureen Kemunto Kerina of Alliance Girls High School scored a straight A (84 points), while her twin sister Michelle Mochache Kerina, studying at Loreto High School Limuru, followed closely with an A (83 points). In KCPE 2021, Maureen had scored 417 marks while Michelle attained 412 marks at Mt. Olives Adventist School, Ngong. "They motivated each other even though they were in different schools," their mother said. "Their discipline and teamwork never changed." Their achievement is being hailed as a rare academic feat, not only because of the grades but also because it was attained in two different national schools with distinct academic cultures. Precious Juma, who scored 408 marks at Fesbeth primary obtained an A plain at Fesbeth High School alongside Collins Juma who scored A- with 76 points after getting 405 marks at Ebenezer primary school. Sharlin Bella Wakala of Bunyore Girls High School posted an A of 82 points in KCSE 2025, having scored 404 marks in KCPE at Dekko Academy, Kitale. At St Anthony Boys' Kitale, Meshack Nzioka attained an A- (80 points), a significant rise from his 378 marks in KCPE 2021. Education experts say his performance highlights the transformative power of secondary education when learners receive adequate support. Another remarkable story is that of Allan Wainaina, 18, who scored 400 marks in KCPE at Kings Academy, Nakuru, despite personal tragedy. He lost his father to a heart attack in 2017 and his mother to lung cancer in August 2021. Undeterred, Wainaina joined The Nairobi School, where he achieved an A (83 points). "I did not expect anything above an A- because in the middle of the examinations I felt demoralised by how I had tackled some papers," he said. "I only believed it once I received the results." He attributed his success to teamwork and resilience. "Apart from normal classwork, we worked in groups during prep time-morning, evening and night," he said. Wainaina hopes to pursue Medical Science and Engineering at the University of Nairobi, aiming for a technology-driven career path. From Baringo County, Grace Jepngetich, 17, scored an A of 82 points at Pangani Girls High School. She had earlier scored 419 marks in KCPE, emerging among the top candidates in her school and county. "I'm excited. I knew I would perform well, but I exceeded my own expectations," she said, adding that pressure and high expectations pushed her to work harder. Jepngetich is keen on pursuing medicine, though she is yet to settle on a specialisation. At Moi Girls High School, Eldoret, Edel Makungu scored a straight A (84 points), building on her 412 KCPE marks in 2021. Her dream is to join the University of Nairobi to study Medicine.

KCPE stars shine brightly, maintain top scores in KCSE four years later

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KCPE stars shine brightly, maintain top scores in KCSE four years later

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