Makueni Boys beat academic giants in lower Eastern region

Makueni Boys High School stunned traditional academic giants in the lower Eastern region after posting a performance index of 8.9 in last year's Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination.

With an entry of 377 candidates, the 2023 class produced 14 A (plain), 67 A-, 79 B+, 64 B (plain), 67 B- and 53 C+, representing a 91.25 percent transition rate to the university.

Only 33 candidates fell short of qualifying for university. The class did not register any E, D- or D plain grade.

Chief Principal Francis Mutua said last year's performance was an improvement compared to the 2022 class which registered a mean grade of 8.3.

The candidates who scored straight As included Muema Kilonzo, Kiilu Muuo and Muunde Mutinda all with 83 points each. Mwithia Karimi, Eric Masila, Kennedy Mutava, Kasanga Mwendwa, Wambua Mwendwa and Solomon Gathogo scored A plain of 82 points each.

Ibrahim Konje, Kyalo Mutua, Mutunga Mutiso, Cleophas Ogamba and Kyale Muthama scored A plain of 81 points each.

"This is huge! We are excited with the results and I thank my entire teaching force, parents and support staff for being there for the candidates. For the class of 2023, I cannot describe my joy. I am a proud teacher. I am happy that the future of these students is bright,"said Mr Mutua.

However, the chief principal pointed out that the good results did not come easy.

"It was a cocktail of dedication, self-denial and discipline. We also covered the syllabus in good time to allow for an adequate period for revision. We are not resting until we clinch a mean grade of 10 points," he added.

In Precious Blood Kilungu, the 2023 class climbed to a performance index of 8.2, up from 7.9 posted in the previous year. With an entry of 206 candidates, two students managed to score A plain while 13 scored A-, 28 B+, 48 B plain, 54 B- and 32 C+, translating to 86 percent transition to the university.

School's Chief Principal Esther Njue said they aim to post even better results next year.

"The girls did well and I am confident that the current class will do much better because we have what it takes to be at the top. All we do is trust in God, observe discipline and work hard," said Ms Njue.

In Machakos County, privately run Caring Hearts Girls High School in Nguluni posted a mean of 8.4 with two candidates scoring A- (minus), 13 B+, nine B plain, 16 B- and eight C+.

Matungulu Girls High School posted good performance with two A plain grade, 10 A-, 34 B+, 64 B plain, 60 B- and 45 C+.

By the time of going to press, Machakos School, Machakos Girls and Kathiani Girls which are traditional top performers were yet to disclose their results.