Social media star journalist Lagat scores 404 marks

Ian Lagat 14, (right) is carried shoulder high by teachers and parents at his Cheplelachbei Primary School in Nandi County after scoring 4o4 marks in the KCPE results. November 24, 2023. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

When videos were circulated in social media early this year, Ian Lagat was thrown into the limelight showcasing impressive journalistic skills alongside his younger brother Elvis Kosgei.

Lagat, who turned into an overnight sensation on social media, was last Thursday among the top performers in Nandi County, scoring 404 marks.

"I received calls through my mother's phone and friends and strangers applauded my performance. I could not believe it, and I did not expect to gain such a huge traction, but I thank God for everything," he stated.

The little-known Cheplelachbei village was thrown into a frenzy and residents thronged Cheplelachbei Primary School along the Kapsabet-Nakuru highway to celebrate the performance.

"I got fans following my content and they really motivated me. I was forced to work hard since some paid our school fees and bought school uniforms. I didn't want to disappoint them," he said.

Ian Lagat 14 at his Cheplelachbei Primary School in Nandi County after scoring 404 marks in the 2023 KCPE exams. November 24, 2023. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Well-wishers who were inspired by his passionate journalism dream raised over Sh500,000 on social media and paid for his school fees among other needs.

In April, The Standard Group offered the two brothers a flight trip to their studios in Nairobi, where they interacted with veteran journalists.

Kevin Madahana, Lagat's class teacher, said Lagat was a hard-working pupil and apart from being active in the journalism club, he also played for the school in various ball games.