Top student missed national school slot

By Roselyne Obala

Though he failed to secure a slot in a national school after his KCPE at Maliki Roman Catholic Primary in Bungoma County in 2007, Job Nalinya never lost hope.

The 18-year-old emerged the best student in last year’s KCSE from little known school, St Peters Seminary in Kakamega County.

"I am very happy to have emerged the best in the country. The examination was quite tough," he said.

His fellow students called him King Solomon, a nickname earned because of his brilliance in academics.

God fearing

His parents described him as a God-fearing and well-behaved boy.

Nalianya, whose parents are teachers, is the fourth born in a family of seven.

"He is the only son in the family. He topped the class while in primary and had no doubts he was destined for greater highest in future," said Edward Nalianya, the father.

Nalianya now wants to become a surgeon.

"This is indeed a miracle and my dream is to pursue a degree in medicine and become a surgeon. I also want to become a Roman Catholic priest," he said.

Described as lovable, teachers said he was a sterling student and one whom everyone enjoyed teaching.

Amidst jubilation and praise from his teachers and former fellow students, he reiterated that he invested heavily in studies.

"It does not matter whether you are in a National, Provincial or District School. You will emerge top in the school where your heart is home as long as you put all your efforts," he added.

Celebrations

Students at the school burst into song and dance, blocking the busy Kakamega-Kisumu highway at Khayega, as they took their celebrations to the bishop’s residence.

Bishop Philip Sulumeti of Kakamega Diocese thanked teachers and parents for the good work and co-operation.

"We rely on two keys to excellence — discipline and hard work," he said, explaining that education is held in high regard by the Catholic Church.

"Wisdom and responsibility bring about sound character," Bishop Sulumeti said.

The Rector, Rev Father Jacob Wafula could not hide his joy. "He was a hardworking and dedicated student who should be emulated by all," he said of Nalianya.

Nalianya topped his class since he joined the school in 2008. He scored 420 marks out of 500 in his KCPE examinations.