Moi Education Centre awards top candidates in last year exams

Moi Educational Centre Chairman Board of Directors Paul Chemng'orem hands over an award to a Grade 7 pupil during the 29th annual prize-giving day at Moi Educational Centre. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Candidates who sat last year's national examinations at the Moi Education Centre (MEC) were feted at a colourful ceremony held at the school's grounds in Nairobi yesterday.

The candidates who excelled in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations were awarded certificates and also received various gifts.

The event presided over by Dr Augustine Gatotoh, a don at the University of Nairobi, also saw top learners across other classes rewarded.

Last year, the best KCPE candidate in the school scored 424 marks, putting the institution among the top performers in the national tests.

Jeremy Rotich scored 424 marks to emerge top in the school. Janice Chepkoech was ranked second in the school with 421 marks.

Mitambo Aiden Karani scored 419 marks as Mulinge Judith and Ronoh Lorraine each scored 413 marks to close the school's top-five list.

Speaking during the event, Dr Gatotoh thanked parents for choosing MEC as an academic abode for their children.

"Research has shown that there is a significant correlation between parental involvement and academic success in children. Parents must always be involved in their children's education, not just financially," said Gatotoh.

"Also remember, involvement can be negative. Negative involvement can be detrimental to your child's success. Never make your child feel like he or she is a loser in life," he added.

The school board chairman, Paul Chemng'orem, also hailed the students who excelled in exams last year.

"The theme today 'believe and you will achieve' aptly captures the academic gains that we are celebrating on this day," said Mr Chemng'orem. "The school will see 100 per cent transition from Junior School to High School."

MEC School Principal Augustine Musyoka urged learners to be hardworking and resilient.

"Those who have been awarded must not lower their guard. They should keep working hard. Those who have not been awarded should not lose hope. They should work harder," he said.

During the ceremony, the school also received its certificate from Football Kenya Federation (FKF), which now recognises the institution's football academy as one of the top in the country.