Journalists from various media houses traversed the vast Baringo County to deliver Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) results to candidates who were not aware that the exam results had been released.
Accompanied by security officials on Tuesday, March 29, the journalists informed the students of their exemplary performance as some of had scored over 350 out of 500 marks.
Speaking to the press, one of the students who scored 367 marks stated that it was a surprise to them as they were not aware the results were out.
"I have scored 367 marks and if it was not for the banditry attacks, I would have scored over 400 marks," he stated.
Another top student, Cynthia Jerop, received the news after the journalists and security officials traced her and her family to a forest where they were hiding from attackers.
She explained that she had to seek refuge in the forest after their home became unsafe following constant raids by badits.
"Right now we are living in the forest. The chaos have become too much and we do not have any hope of joining secondary school," stated Jerop.
When queried, education stakeholders in the area explained that the delay was caused by the insecurity that has ravaged the area over the years.
Kapindasum Primary School headteacher, Elijah Kiptoon, explained that some of the students had fled to neighboring counties and it was difficult to trace them.
He expressed that the delay could hinder their transition to secondary school, adding that the instability in the area was affecting the future of many students.
"The issue of insecurity in the area is still very big. When the exams were done, I had to work in conjunction with the General Service Unit (GSU) to ensure the students got home safe. I am not sure what awaits these students because as of now four of my students have been orphaned," he stated.
This was the case of Rael Cheptui who scored 285. She lost her parents during an attack on their home. She narrated that during the examinations period, she was still traumatised by the events.
"The bandits came to take the cattle in the area but we still managed to do our exam. I believe I would have scored much higher than that.
"I was so worried about her because she lost all her parents and I made sure she was safe every day. I am so happy about her performance," her aunt, Rael Chebon, stated.
