Despite the many challenges girls face in West Pokot County following rampant cases of female genital mutilation early forced marriage and gender-based violence, girls performed admirably in this year’s KCPE results that were released yesterday.
Leah Chepkemoi from Modern Day Light Academy got 421 marks, Vivian Chepkech Kapelion from Kapenguria Town view Academy, who wants to be a lawyer, got 418 marks while Patience Chepkupus got 411 marks from Jerusalem Academy school in Chepareria.
The director of Modern Day Light Mrs Angelina Kimburi said Chepkemoi was a hard working girl.
Vivian, aged 13 years, received her results with jubilation at their home in Lityei area. “I was overwhelmed after receiving my results because I had promised my parents to do well. I want to join Alliance girls high school,” she said.
The girl’s parents, former Kapenguria Member of County Assembly Mr. James Kapelion and Winny Kapelion, said that they have hope in their daughter. Vivian said hard work enabled her to perform well and Mr. Kapelion affirmed that the girl is disciplined and hard working.
Mr. Kapelion James said he had high expectations that his daughter will perform well, saying he will support her to ensure she achieves her dream.
At Jerusalem academy school at Chepareria girls performed well as the school had six girls who scored above 400 marks.
The director of the school Mr Chris Lotelemoi said the school had 70 candidates with a KCPE mean score of 376 marks and the last pupil scored 342 marks.
The best girl scored 418, followed by Fabian Pchumba 413, Patience Chepkopus 411, Ruth Chemtai 410.
In the entire County, private schools performed better compared to public schools.
Speaking to the press in Town view Academy, the school headteacher Mr. Danson Kang’ole said called on the collective responsibility of parents, teachers and pupils to ensure that pupils perform well.
According to County director of Education Jared Obiero, most schools haven’t received final results and called on patience as the department continues to analyse and compile final results data.