A Grade 9 student from Nyeri has captured the admiration of many Kenyans after an exceptional performance in the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA). Mary Gathii, a pupil at Ndima Kanini Academy in Karatina, scored 71 out of a possible 72 points in the inaugural national exam under the Competency‑Based Curriculum (CBC), earning widespread praise on social media and from teachers.
Mary’s results showed highest performance levels in most subjects. She achieved Exceeds Expectations One (EE1) across core learning areas such as English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Integrated Science, Agriculture, Social Studies, Christian Religious Education, and Creative Arts and Sports, and an Exceeds Expectations Two (EE2) in Pre‑Technical Studies. Each EE1 earned her eight points and the EE2 seven, bringing her total to an impressive 71 points out of 72.
The KJSEA results were released by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on December 11, marking a milestone in Kenya’s education reforms. More than 1 million learners sat for the assessment, which evaluates competencies across nine learning areas and uses an eight‑point scale per subject, with the highest possible aggregate score being 72 points.
Many Kenyans responded to Mary’s achievement with congratulatory messages, celebrating her hard work and wishing her success as she prepares to transition to senior high school. Her performance stands out amid strong overall results from the exam, in which girls generally outshone boys in most subjects and a large proportion of candidates met or exceeded expectations.
Mary’s result not only reflects personal dedication but also highlights the potential of learners under the CBC system as they embark on their senior secondary education journey.
By tuko