By Kurian Musa
In the heart of Kilimo High School, a school that was started and sponsored by Egerton University in the early 1990s, the school hall buzzed with anticipation on a bright Monday morning. The Board of Management (BOM) led by the Board Chairman, Prof Paul Kimurto, Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilization stood at the lectern, ready to inspire the Form Four KCSE candidates and also Form Three as they faced the impending Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination and also next year candidates. Kilimo High School, a boys and girl’s day school, is located within Egerton University, Nakuru County and university is main sponsor.
A dedicated team of Board of Management (BOM) accompanied the Chairman and it included Mr Dickson Siele, the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) Chairman, Dr. Hillary Chakava, the Alumni Coordinator at Egerton University, Mary Kendago (Executive Board member from the Faculty of Agriculture) and Dr. Miriam Charimbu and Secretary to the BOM Mr. Duncan Kinyanjui Mwangi who is also the School Principal. The members in their career advice and motivation radiated wisdom and hope for the candidates.
Also in attendance was Mr. Kurian Musa, the Communication officer from the same institution who informed students about his long career in media including working at Standard media, Nation Media and also as Government media officer before joining Egerton University.
In his address, Prof Kimurto, a man of experience and achievement, gazed at the eager young faces before him. He reminisced about his own struggles four decades ago, where he faced the daunting challenges of insufficient school fees, hunger, and numerous other obstacles including cattle rustling in his rural areas, the harsh arid and semi-arid areas of Kerio valley, Elgeyo Marakwet County. With his reassuring tone, he shared his story, "I worked hard despite the challenges, but I never lost faith. I understood that the ultimate prize awaited me. That's why I encourage you to work diligently and for your KCSE revise thoroughly," he imparted. He noted that in 2022, there were 15 students who managed to join the University with best candidate scoring a mean of A- (minus).
His words resonated deeply with the students, who listened with rapt attention. Prof Kimurto's message was clear - perseverance was the key to success.
He urged them to remain steadfast, to be prayerful, to show respect, and to stay laser-focused on their studies. He encouraged all students to choose Egerton University and that “the Board will award a Laptop to all A grades, 10,000 for B grades, Ksh 5,000 for C+ and above. He also informed students and teachers that best grades and best teachers will be rewarded like 2022 KCSE results as this is the new strategy under my leadership as BOM chair” Prof Kimurto announced.
Mr. Dickson Siele, the PTA Chair, reinforced this message, reminding the students to have faith in their abilities. He warned against the allure of cheating in exams, cautioning, "Carrying Mwakenya won't help; it may ruin your life," Siele remarked. He also gave students to focus on Mathematics and Computer science as this is what he has found to open opportunities at all levels with all grades from D to A grade.
Dr. Hillary Chakava, from Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Media and Communication expert gave students challenge and opportunities existing in communication, broadcasting, ICT which he selected and succeeded from his rural County of Vihiga, Western Kenya. As a man of wisdom and experience, Chakava took the stage with a calm demeanor. He encouraged the Form Four KCSE candidates to run the race until they crossed the finish line. He reminded them that setbacks and the success of others should not deter them. "There are those who see people ahead of them and give up. It is important to finish the race. It's good to finish in a strong way," he affirmed, drawing inspiration from the Bible, 2 Timothy.
Dr. Miriam Charimbu, from the Faculty of Agriculture and also an expert in Plant science and Crop protection, brought a unique perspective to the gathering. She shared her personal journey from high school to professorship.
Her words resonated deeply, especially with the female students, as she encouraged them to focus on their studies, assuring them that success was indeed attainable.
"I have taken risks in paths that people have not tried, and no one is better than the other. I attended a very local public secondary school in my Rural Meru County and I have succeeded," she declared, dispelling any doubts about what they could achieve. M/s Mary Kendagor added her personal experiences from Human resource and marketing profession which she focused long ago and took her to University of Nairobi from he rural areas of Baringo County and now. She encouraged girls to avoid pregnancies, HIV aids and also engaging in early marriage.
With strong leadership, dedication stewardship and support to candidates, the School Principal Mr. Duncan Kinyanjui Mwangi, assured the Candidate of support in all what they need during their examination period. Deputy Principal Mrs. Nyambura Mwaniki, whose has been instrumental in the school's success especially on disciplinary measures.
Amomg the dedicated KCSE class teacher present were Form 4 class coordinator Mrs. Sara Rotich, and Form 4 class teachers Mrs. Hellen Nyariki, Ms. Daisy Chesimet, and Mr. Tabteric Rono all played vital roles in shaping the students' education.
As the assembly came to an end, the students left the hall with newfound determination, inspired by the stories and wisdom shared by these distinguished individuals.
The journey ahead would undoubtedly be challenging, but armed with their experiences and guidance, they were ready to face it head-on, determined to succeed in the upcoming exams and beyond.
Kilimo High School had set them on the path to greatness, and they were ready to walk it with unwavering resolve.
Edited by: Prof. Paul Kimurto
Director Marketing and Resource Mobilization
Egerton University
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