Nairobi governor, Johnson Sakaja recently narrated how he set a long-standing academic record at Lenana School.
While releasing a Ksh1 billion scholarship to Nairobi students at Joe Kadenge Stadium popularly known as City Stadium, Sakaja shared his academic journey characterised by both failures and successes.
He inspired the students to push beyond their limits, stating that he rose from the bottom five students to a pacesetter.
“At first, I used to be very careless when I was a Form Two student at Lenana School. As a result, I used to be in the bottom five in my class,” Sakaja noted.
However, the Nairobi Governor’s life changed when he struck a deal with his fellow students previously engaged in careless endeavours.
The group agreed to advance their academic careers and began spending more time reading and less time with errant students.
“One day, we decided to change and agreed with my fellow students to bet. We agreed that whoever passes a Physics Continous Assessment Test (CAT) would be given free bread for the rest of the term.
“I decided to wake up very early and sleep late as I was concerned about my studies. My Physics teacher, Omwala, singled my name in line with the good performance I displayed for the first time,” Sakaja explained.
While rekindling the memories of the past, he explained his former Physics teacher, Owala, was key in influencing his studies.
He explained that Owala was not a very eloquent teacher but was the smartest in teaching Science, especially Physics.
“Teacher Owala thought that I have cheated in the Physics exams because I moved from the bottom to number one.
I assure you, the record of good performance, especially in Physics, that I did set at Lenana School has probably not been broken by anyone,” Sakaja assured.
“If you go to Lenana School and ask them about my record in Physics, English, and Christian Religious Education, they will tell you that it has almost not been broken by any other student,” Sakaja noted.
Governor Sakaja officially launched the Executive Scholarship Program in which nearly 27,900 more learners benefited.
The County Government confirmed that Ksh385 million was committed this year, and Ksh515 million in subsequent years.
Nairobi County noted that the scholarship programme will ensure that a higher number of students from day secondary schools and middle-level colleges access education.
“Be thankful to your parents, guardians and schools for nurturing your academic and intellectual talents, and don’t forget the opportunity you received.
Work hard, strive for more and pay it forward.
“Don’t be discouraged by the circumstances under which you live at home. You are the hope for your parents and community,” Sakaja urged students.
