This archive report was first published on 20 December 2019.
Girls schools in the Mt Kenya region have made a remarkable showing in the 2019 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, outperforming their male counterparts in several counties.
According to the results released on December 18, 2019, the region had more girls in school than boys in 17 counties, including Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Murang'a, Nyandarua, and Kirinyaga.
Notably, Chogoria Girls topped the county of Tharaka-Nithi with a mean grade of 8.3 points, while Ikuu Boys High School came second with 8.1 points.
However, Kiurani Boys Secondary School, a sub-county school, defied expectations to emerge third with 7.8 points, surpassing established schools like Chogoria Boys High School and Chuka Boys High School.
Elsewhere, Bishop Gatimu Ngandu Girls in Nyeri posted a mean score of 8.9 points, a significant improvement from the 7.9 points achieved in 2018.
Stella Maris Othaya Girls also improved its performance, with its top candidate scoring an A- grade, up from last year's best grade of B+.
Principal Jane Wacheke Kimiti, who was recently named Principal of the Year by the Education ministry, attributed the school's success to hard work and dedication.
Other notable performers in Nyeri included Kagumo High School, which achieved a mean score of 9.0 points, and Mahiga Girls, which had a mean score of 8.1 points, up from 8.1 points in 2018.
Similarly, St Mary's Boys High School Nyeri had six A- grades with a mean score of 8.1, similar to that posted in 2018.
Principal Muthoni Rutere of Mugoiri Girls High School in Murang'a attributed the school's improved performance to discipline, hard work, and cooperation between the board and parents.
She said, 'Teachers and parents worked as a team, and the students have reciprocated with hard work and discipline. We thank God for the performance and hope to do even better next year.'
Other notable performers in Murang'a included Kahuhia Girls, which produced 8 As and over 20 A- grades to record an improved performance with a mean score of 8.5 points.
Principal Naomi Njihia attributed the school's success to God's favour, teamwork, and the students' focus.
Baricho Boys in Kirinyaga emerged top, beating established academic giants, with seven straight As and 60 A- grades and a mean score of 8.8.
Lastly, Burieruri High School in Meru managed a mean score of 6.4, an improvement from the 4.5 points garnered in 2018, while St Mary's Girls Igoji posted an improvement of 8.3 points up from the 7.3 points the school got in 2018.
Reporting by Reginah Kinogu, Charles Wanyoro, Ndungu Gachane, Joseph Wangui, Irene Mugo, Mercy Mwende, Alex Njeru, David Muchui, George Munene, Waweru Wairimu, and Nicholas Komu.
