Kapsabet Boys wins merit prize second year in a row

Kapsabet High School is this year's winner of the prestigious Kootab Myoot Excellence (KME) Prize.

This comes after Ian Kiprotich Kosgei, who sat for his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams at the school last year, emerged the top student in Rift Valley region.

He gave the school a consecutive second win in the award after another student from the institution, Collins Kosgey, scooped the top prize last year.

"We are excited to win this prestigious award two years in a row. This is an indication that the world is recognising the efforts Kenyan students are making," said the Principal, Kipchumba Maiyo.

KME prize, which covers students in the Rift Valley region, has its roots in two German universities; Johannes Gutenberg and Wolfgang Goethe, and draws its support from Kenyans in Diaspora.

MOTIVATIONAL TO

According to Dr Kirwa Mise who is the senior ambassador of the prize in Kenya, the award was created three years ago to serve as a motivational tool to candidates preparing for their examinations.

"The award comes with a Sh50,000 financial award to the top student. Those who started the award saw it fit to motivate students through the cash price. It has enabled many students to compete effectively," said the Maseno University lecturer.

Kipny'anko Seroney, a member of the KME prize, said the prize money is donated by Kenyans in diaspora, who are committed in raising the standards of education in the Rift Valley.

"The award draws its support from Kenyans across the globe, especially from  the UK, Germany, United Arab Emirates, China and Australia. KME members are keen to ensure Kenyan students receive proper motivation," he said.

Last year's award winner Kosgey received his award from Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi who officiated over the ceremony at Kapsabet High School.

Kosgei (this year's winner) expressed his gratitude to the organisers of the award, who picked him through a competitive process.

"Although I was a top student academically, the award also examines other areas, such as leadership, talent, discipline and teamwork," said Kosgei, who is set to join Kenyatta University.

He also qualifies to be KME Prize ambassador. Present at the ceremony were all KME members from Kenya and the diaspora. They requested the community to support the cause.