This year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E) top student Naomi Kawira from Pangani Girls’ in Nairobi cannot believe she posted the impressive score to emerge Kenya’s best candidate.
She scored 87.011 points, translating to a straight A plain.
Speaking to journalist on Wednesday at Chogoria Mission Hospital, Tharaka Nithi County where her mother works as a nurse, Kawira could not hide her joy.
“When I heard my name I could not believe that I had actually made such a great achievement,” said an ecstatic Kawira according to the Star.
She said she expected to do well but not becoming Kenya’s top student.
“Reality hit me when my friends started calling and congratulating me. I am thankful to the Lord for this far he has brought me… I trusted in God. Remained focused. Worked hard and consulted with my teachers to achieve this,” added she.
She owes her success to her parents, her Chemistry teacher Mrs. Sitati and her English teacher Mrs. Ombati.
They mentored her and she remained focused all through her O-levels.
“My parents motivated me together with my sister who graduated with a first class honours in Economics at the University of Nairobi.”
“I told myself that one can’t change their past but can change their future,” she said.
The second born in a family of two girls plans on taking a Civil engineering degree.
Four years ago, Kawira posted an impressive 422 marks in her K.C.P.E, booking her a slot at the prestigious Pangani Girls’ where her dream has been shaped.
Her mother, Jane Kirimi said she expected her daughter to score an A plain. What was surprising was that she was the top girl in the country.
“I expected her to get A plain but I thank God she is the best in the country,” said her mother.
“I have been always there for her. During the holidays, I made sure I had taken my leave so I can be there for her buying books, encouraging and praying for her.”
Her father who is a teacher at Kinoru Primary has also been supportive.