The alumni association of Nangili Primary in Likuyani Sub County, Kakamega County has come in aid of two top candidates in last year’s Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).
Speaking to West Media on Thursday, the Nangili alumni association chairperson, Mr. Steve Kisaka, said the decision to raise secondary school fees for Vincent Toili and Emmanuel Simiyu came about because of inability of boys’ families to raise the fees.
“Both boys come from extremely poor backgrounds, characterized by abject poverty,” observed Kisaka who disclosed the group vowed to ensure the two complete their
secondary and post-secondary education.
Toili, who was the second best candidate at the school scored 366 marks, while Simiyu who scored 336 marks was third overall.
Both candidates received letters of admission from Kivaywa Boys High School.
“Members of the alumni group have already raised enough funds to cater for the entire four years fees and personal effects of the two boys,” disclosed the chairperson.
A spot check by West Media revealed Toili was officially admitted at Kivaywa Boys on Thursday. “Simiyu was to be admitted this Friday at the same institution,” added Kisaka.
He revealed the association would continue its support for top candidates from poor backgrounds at the school.
“This is a challenge meant to inspire all pupils at our former primary school to work hard for better results, and as the alumni, we’ve vowed to sponsor all students who will score 400 marks and above in KCPE whether they come from a humble background or not,” noted Kisaka.
He said the Association has been in touch with the school and has been working closely with the management to create a conducive learning environment for both pupils and teachers.
He disclosed that apart from visiting the school on several occasions encouraging pupils to work hard as well as giving necessary support, the alumni also donated 100 desks which were used by the candidates during the KCPE examinations adding that their intervention has seen the school performance improve drastically. “We also rewarded the top ten candidates in the last year’s examinations.”
According to Kisaka, the association has promised to work closely with other education stakeholders, including elected leaders to improve infrastructure in Nangili Primary school and ensure it shines academically.
He seized the opportunity to appeal to other elite from the area to emulate the move and help their former primary schools in order to improve academic standards in the area.
“My appeal to my learned friends is to prioritize education by creating a good foundation right away from the primary level and aim at having as many graduates as possible from Likuyani,” said Kisaka.