Top-scoring students from Nyaikuro Secondary School in Nyamira County are now setting their sights on prestigious careers in engineering and health sciences after achieving impressive results in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
Among them, Clifford Ogato and Mary Onkundi, who both earned exemplary A (minus) grades, have already identified their preferred courses: Mechanical Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Nursing, respectively.
As the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal opens this year, both students are eager to secure spots in their chosen fields, hoping to make significant strides toward their academic and career goals.
Ogato, with his outstanding performance, expressed gratitude to his school and teachers, particularly appreciating the support they provided despite the financial challenges his family faced.
“It’s been a challenging journey, but my school and teachers ensured that I stayed focused on my education. I’m hopeful that I will pursue Mechanical Engineering and contribute meaningfully to the field,” Ogato said.
Mary Onkundi, whose path has been marked by resilience and determination, similarly credited her school for its unwavering support.
“Despite coming from a vulnerable economic background, I was never sent home due to fees, thanks to the understanding and support of the school administration,” Onkundi explained.
She acknowledged the critical role of her teachers in her success, highlighting how their consistent guidance ensured that she, along with her peers, was able to excel in the exams.
Principal Job Rasugu, who has been a driving force behind the school’s academic achievements, attributed the improved results to a range of factors.
One notable innovation was the introduction of a distinct study system where boys and girls study separately.
This change, although implemented in a mixed-gender school, has proven beneficial by helping students concentrate more effectively.
According to Ogato, this system played a crucial role in fostering a focused and disciplined learning environment.
“The separation of boys and girls for study sessions has really helped in minimizing distractions and has allowed students to focus better on their studies. This approach has led to significant improvements in our academic performance,” Ogato remarked.
Principal Rasugu also praised the collective efforts of both teachers and students, emphasizing that the improved performance of the 232 candidates who sat the 2024 KCSE exams was the result of hard work and dedication.
“Our students put in a lot of effort, and the teachers worked tirelessly to support them. Additionally, the conducive learning environment at our school contributed immensely to their success,” he said.
“We are very proud of the results, and the whole school is excited. We are optimistic that we will continue to improve in future national exams.”
The 2024 KCSE results have been a source of pride for Nyaikuro Secondary School, as 223 out of the 232 candidates attained a C+ and above, a grade that qualifies them for direct entry into public universities.
This achievement has elevated the school’s reputation as a hub of academic excellence, and the school community remains determined to build on this success in the coming years.
In conclusion, the exceptional performance of Clifford Ogato, Mary Onkundi, and their peers underscores the potential for success when students are provided with the right support and guidance.
With their sights set on prestigious courses in engineering and health sciences, these students are on track to achieve their academic dreams and contribute to the future development of Kenya.