On 20 November 2018, Meshack Mutinda emerged as one of the standout KCPE pupils after scoring 420 marks and using the moment to call for more schools in informal settlements.
The Bridge International School candidate said the shortage of schools in slums leaves many children struggling to access education, even though demand is high. He pointed to his own background in Gicagi, Kangemi, where he was raised by a single mother who worked as a casual labourer.
Mutinda said the journey was not easy. He said he often lacked basic needs such as food and clothing, and would wake up at 5am to help his mother with work before walking to school.
“I'm happy my hard work has paid off. I studied hard with the help of teachers. I hope to be an inspiration to all the children from Gicagi,” he said.
He also said life in the slums came with crowded schools, but that learning remained exciting for him. Teachers at Bridge International School described the 13-year-old as disciplined and said he was elected head boy because of his leadership qualities.
Mutinda said he wants to become an engineer. Nationally, Rawlings Odhiambo and Olive Wachira topped the KCPE exam with 453 marks.
