This archive report was first published on 10 May 2021.
On a typical lunch hour in 2020, the family of Simiyu Wanjala was glued to their TV, anxiously waiting for the announcement of the KCSE results. Little did they know that their son would emerge as the top candidate countrywide.
Wanjala's father, though confident of his son's performance, never thought he would be the best. However, Wanjala's mother was convinced that her son would top the list, and indeed, he did.
Speaking to a local TV, Wanjala recalled the moment his name was announced by Cabinet Secretary for Education George Magoha. He said, 'I did not believe I had heard my name, in fact, I moved closer to the TV to confirm it was me.'
Wanjala's journey to success began at Gachie Primary school, where he scored 409 marks in his KCPE exams and got admitted to Murang'a High School. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, he credits his teachers for their constant support and guidance through online learning.
Wanjala's dream is to pursue a course in medicine at the University of Nairobi, which he had applied for as his first option. He urges incoming candidates to stay focused and work hard towards achieving their goals, saying, 'let them keep their dreams. No one should discourage them. Let them continue working hard and keeping God first.'
