Let’s face it, when most of us think of Kenyan celebs, if you’ve been through the previous 8-4-4 system or you’re one of the unfortunate “alumni” of the CBC curriculum, then you automatically assume them dense.
The reason for this is the fact that for the most part, our education system puts an emphasis on academic excellence to the absolute dereliction of any other forms of intelligence or even talents. So you’re a footballer? Big whoop. Your teachers will drum it into the rest of the class or worse still, into you’re head that you’re nothing. The same can be said for actors and entertainers. Wait, I think there is a special bottom rung made entirely of comedians.
But what if I told you that while there are different cadres of intelligence, there are some -a precious few- who excelled in both the conventional way as well as at the pursuit of their talent and craft? Some entertainers and celebs who were actually not just talented but also academically intelligent enough to juggle high-level performance in all that was required of them?
And we all know what that means. In both 8-4-4 and CBC, it takes a whole lot of cramming. Beyond simply being familiar with the material, you have to actually cram for the exams and often it involves some outdated and useless procedures (for most career paths) such as the Bosch Process (Chemistry anyone?) because let’s face it, I have never used that knowledge anywhere outside of my KCSE exam hall.
Even before we start, I need to actually clarify some metrics for you to fully appreciate the genius of these celebs. KCSE is graded on a scale with a maximum grade of A plain equivalent to an 80% score and above (to 100%) through to the minimum grade of E, equivalent to or lower than a 25% score.
Let’s take a quick look at the celebs who scored highly on their national O-Level exams (what we here in Kenya call KCSE). And I assure you that some of the characters who are certified geniuses will blow your mind.
Fena Gitu
This would surprise many but the Femcee cum LGBTQ advocate (though she does this on the sly) is a Precious Blood Riruta alumni who managed to score an A- (A minus) in her KCSE exam.
Fancy Fingers
Sauti Sol’s Polycarp who is an alumnus of Strathmore actually managed to score an A before he went on to pursue a degree in actuarial science.
JB Masanduku
Tina Kaggia’s ex-husband and comedian was actually a student at two “Ivy League” Kenyan schools; Starehe Boy’s Centre as well as Alliance High. And as if that isn’t impressive enough, he managed to score an A in the national exams.
Maureen Kunga
One-half of the two ladies that make up the trio that is Elani (do they still make music anymore?) is an alumnus of Kianda School where she managed to score an A in the national exams. And as if that weren’t impressive enough, drum roll, please…
Wambui Ngugi
The second half of the two ladies that make up the trio that is Elani (which at this point I have to state also includes Brian Chweya) also scored an A in KCSE.
King Kaka
The rapper formerly known as Rabbit (isn’t that one of if not the worst name you’ve ever heard a rapper gave himself?!) made it against all odds. He was at Eastleigh High which if you know anything about Nairobi, isn’t exactly a bastion of education. And yet he managed to score an A- (A minus).
DJ Creme
The disc jockey too wasn’t in what we would consider a Kenyan “ivy league school” given he studied in some backwater secondary school before going on to score an A- (A Minus) in his KCSE exam.
Wahu
Come on, you already know this girl is smart. I mean, she went on to study mathematics in university. What more can I say? She too is an alumnus of Precious Blood and got an A.
I’ve purposely left out Babu Owino from the list. Google his grade yourself. But an honourable mention is Abbas Kubaff who is reported to have scored an A back when he sat for his national exams.
Clearly, a lot went into their academic prowess and this definitely includes (on the most part) not having to worry about their allowances. That is where Co-op Bank comes into partner with you to avail to your child every possible advantage that you can afford them. One simple example of this is ensuring they always have their allowance/ pocket money at hand and not have to worry about it being jacked.
Allow your child to focus entirely on their national exams given they are in their third term. Whether they are sitting for KCSE or the primary school national exams, KCPE. How can you do that? I’m glad you asked.
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