I have conquered, but Im scared Top KCPE performer

Musa Osman Ismail of Tender Care Junior Academy in Komarock, Nairobi scored 440 marks out of the possible 500 in the 2015 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination.

Expectedly, the teenager is happy to achieve such a top mark; but is scared of the pressure that will be piled on him by different quotas to maintain the starling performance on to high school. Young Osman adds the pressure also comes from within.

“I am very proud to get 440 marks; that is the best score in Tender Care Junior Academy in KCPE 2015. I am grateful to God, my parents, school and Madrassa teachers for their support. I never thought I would achieve this, but I knew I would score 400 marks and above,” Osman told Citizen Digital.

He however says his high score scares him.

“I am scared of the pressure that comes with maintaining the same academic standard I have set following my exemplary performance in KCPE. A lot will be expected from me. I am scared; but I will do my best!” stated Osman.

The path to the young man’s success journey has been one full of determination, resilience and prayer; a journey his parents and teachers played a critical role in ensuring it comes to a victorious end.

“My mum and dad often woke me up at 4 am; I could read from that time and leave for school at 5:30 am. Many a times I’d sleep at midnight after my preps. My teachers motivated me to do my best.”

Osman adds it is now time to enjoy the sweat of his smart and hard work.

“For now, I’ll enjoy my sleep and not wake up in the wee hours of the morning to read; but I’ll resume in February 2016 when I join secondary school.”

With such top performance, his dream to join the best of the best national schools on Kenyan soil has inched closer!

“My wish is to join Alliance High School for my secondary education. I have always dreamt of joining that prestigious national school.”

After completing his secondary education at his expected school, the 13-year-old said he would want to pursue a Bachelor’s degree course in engineering.

“My dream course is Electrical and Electronics Engineering which I wish to pursue at Harvard University. My father is an engineer; he has inspired me,” said Musa.

His message to fellow candidates who have received their results on Wednesday, “I congratulate those who have performed well; and to those who did not meet their expectations, they can pull up their socks in secondary school. But they should put God first.”

Osman’s elder brother, Abubakar Musa Ali, who was in a celebratory mood said the young man’s exemplary performance did not come as a surprise to him.

“As a family, we are very happy! We foresaw his top performance; he has always been among top five performing pupils in his class,” stated Abubakar.

The top performer’s mother, Fatma Abdul, lacked words to express her excitement; but in very few words, said: “I am very happy my son has passed his KCPE exams; God knows how I feel.”

According to Osman’s teacher, Mary Mwangi, he was bound to be successful in his exams; thanks to his personality and attributes.

“I am very proud of Osman. He was disciplined and very hardworking,” said Ms Mwangi.