Laikipia County – In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, Braton Murimi, a student from Laikipia County, achieved an outstanding performance in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams, scoring 402 marks despite facing significant personal challenges.

According to Kenya News Agency, Braton, hailing from Mathagiro village in Umande ward, Laikipia East Sub-County, faced numerous obstacles including a long commute to school, financial difficulties, and the responsibility of caring for his sickly brother. Attending a ceremony organized by the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) in Nanyuki town, the 14-year-old credited his success to hard work and unwavering determination. He spoke about the hardships he endured, including caring for his brother and the stress associated with his family situation.

The second-born in his family, Braton revealed the toll his elder brother’s illness took on their household. His mother, Judy Muthoni, dedicated her time to caring for her 28-year-old bedridden son, which put a strain on the family’s financial situation. Braton’s daily journey to school was over 20 kilometers, a trek filled with worries about his brother’s well-being. The family often relied on community support for food aid due to their lack of a stable income.

Despite these challenges, Braton harbors aspirations of joining Starehe Boys Center and pursuing a career as a surgeon. He appealed to well-wishers for support to ensure he can continue his education without the financial burdens that have plagued his family.

Judy Muthoni, Braton’s mother, expressed immense pride in her son’s achievements, highlighting her hope that he will secure a scholarship to study without the obstacles he has faced so far. She emphasized the difficulty of managing expenses for her eldest son’s medical needs, as he suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

Martha Nyambura, a neighbor and family friend, praised Braton’s discipline, attributing it as a key factor to his success and noting the pride he has brought to their village as the top candidate.