A 19-year-old boy from Bomet County shocked his village after he allegedly set his family’s house on fire. This happened just hours after the release of the 2023 KCSE results, where he scored an E grade.
According to neighbors in Chepalungu, the young man had high hopes of performing well in the national exams. His family had sacrificed a lot to support his education, even selling part of their land to pay school fees. But when the results were released, he was devastated to see the lowest grade possible.
Witnesses say the boy locked himself in the house for hours. Later, smoke was seen coming from the roof. By the time villagers rushed to help, the house was already in flames. Luckily, no one was injured, but the family lost all their belongings.
The boy was later found hiding in a nearby maize plantation. He was arrested by police and taken to the station for questioning. His parents, though heartbroken, pleaded for mercy, saying their son was under emotional stress.
Local leaders have urged students to remain calm and seek guidance when results are disappointing. “An exam is not the end of life,” said one chief. “There are many ways to succeed.”
This sad incident has sparked conversations about mental health and the pressure students face during national exams. Many are now calling for more counseling services in schools to help learners cope with failure and stress.
By Creatorhub