This archive report was first published on 18 November 2019.
Kenya's top student in the 2019 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams has been announced, with Andy Michael Munyiri from Damacrest Thogoto Primary School scoring 440 marks.
According to Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha, Munyiri's achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students and their teachers.
Magoha released the results on Monday, revealing that three other candidates - Flavian Onyango from Chakol Primary School, June Cheptoo Koech from Sangalo Central Primary School, and Sean Michael Ndungu from Kitengela International School - tied for second place with 439 marks.
More than 9,000 pupils scored above 400 marks, a significant drop from the 11,000 students who achieved this feat in 2018.
Interestingly, female candidates dominated their male counterparts in languages and Sign Language, while male candidates performed better in Maths and Science.
However, all candidates recorded a drop in Mathematics and Science compared to the previous year.
The exams were held between October 29 and 31, and the results were released in a record 17 days, with the least number of examination malpractices in the history of the administration of the exams.
Magoha commended the efforts of parents and teachers in preventing cheating, saying, 'There is nothing major to report on the malpractice front this year. These results reflect what our children deserve because they were left to write their papers.'
Teachers Service Commission CEO Nancy Macharia also announced that 56 teachers are facing expulsion for attempting to assist pupils to cheat.
Magoha stated that the placement of students will begin on November 19 and will conclude on December 2.
He also announced that the Ministry will be providing 9,000 scholarships, with President Uhuru Kenyatta directing that at least a third of these slots be given to pupils from slums in Kenyan cities.
The Cabinet Secretary also revealed that the executive has approved a Ksh8 billion budget to improve infrastructure in primary and secondary schools, which are overcrowded due to the government's 100% transition policy.
