In 2003, Marita Nyakundi Calvin made history in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations with the highest marks. Marita scored 482 marks out of 500, a national record that has never been broken. He had an average score of 97%.
The winner was followed closely by Moraa Rose who had 481. In fact, the top two students surpassed previous records set in the KCPE exam history, with Marita surpassing Moraa by a small margin. The two also attended the same school, Busara Forest View Academy based in Nyandarua.
However, Marita’s primary schooling was very poor in the early years as he was always among the bottom 10, so he enrolled in a course called Self-Success. This opportunity became a turning point in his life. “I was in std 5 and I was bottom of my class, always among the last 10 students,” Nyakundi said during the last interview. He added, “After training, I moved on to the top five in Standard Six. I sat my KCPE in 2003 and became the top student, earning 482 out of 500 marks. ”
Marita continued his good work at Starehe Boys Center and later, in 2010, joined the University of Nairobi (UoN). At UoN he pursued a Bachelor of Medicine and was among the most successful graduates of the institution in December 2020.
During the 64th graduation ceremony at the University of Nairobi, Marita was awarded his degree, confirming his status as a professional doctor.
His graduation ended 17 years after he wrote the KCPE exams.
After graduation, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) granted him a license to work in the country. With full accreditation, Nyakundi joined Nairobi Women’s Hospital in August 2021 and began working as a medical officer.
His success story shows the progress of other students who have passed their national exams in the country and continue to achieve their dreams and aspirations.
Naeem Samnakay also made headlines after comin top in both KCPE and KCSE exams in the country. In 1989 the former Alliance High School student was shortlisted for KCSE graduates nationwide.
Four years earlier, he had made headlines again after coming out on top in KCPE.
Samnakay now works as a pediatrician who treats patients at St John of God Subiaco and Murdoch Hospitals in Australia.
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