Lugari Constituency’s top-performing male and female students in April’s mock exams sponsored by the area MP, Nabii Nabwera, were treated to the full experience of a flight for a three-day excursion in the capital.
Elias Kipkemboi from St. Augustine Mlimani Secondary School in Mautuma Ward and Diana Mukoya from Archbishop Njenga Girls said the trip, an all-expenses-paid getaway by Nabwera, was an unforgettable experience for them.
The two academic prodigies, who had already excelled in the first phase of the “academic villages” program, found themselves in the lap of luxury at the iconic Serena Hotel on August 26, 2023. They were set to enjoy two nights of revelry, a stark contrast to their homes, located nearly 378 kilometers away.
They were accompanied by their directors of studies, Ms. Lugongo Khadioli of Njenga Girls and Evans Wanyama of St. Augustine’s Mautuma.
“We were taken by Mheshimiwa’s Prado from Turbo. We arrived at Eldoret International Airport. The journey was successful. We boarded a Jumbo Jet at 5:30. The journey was very good; we could pass through and above the clouds,” narrated Elias Kipkemboi, who could hardly contain his excitement.
For Diana, flying above the clouds was the most thrilling experience of everything she experienced on the trip.
“Our flight was scheduled at 4:30 but there was delay until 5:30. We could not see ourselves boarding the aeroplane but finally we boarded it. We traveled for about an hour, and we arrived (in Nairobi) at 7:00. The journey was smooth above the sky,” she said.
Diana, with a passion for photography, couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity. She set foot near iconic landmarks like the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and the Parliament buildings for the very first time in her life, capturing unforgettable memories in photographs.
For Elias, the visit to Nairobi National Park ignited a newfound passion for adventure. He marveled at the city under the sun, recognizing it as an astonishing haven not only for people but also for wildlife.
This extraordinary trip was more than just a reward for the two exemplary students. It served as a powerful reminder to their peers, encouraging them to invest more effort in their academic pursuits.
Sam Oduor is the editor-in-chief at the Western Kenya Times who leverages the power of the Internet in telling stories that shape opinions.