When KCSE results are announced, a nation pauses—but for many students, the clamor outside is drowned out by a single, terrifying question: “Is this all I am?”
The release of KCSE results is an emotional event for students, parents, and the nation as a whole. Some people are overjoyed and relieved with their grades. Others experience silence, disappointment, and great uncertainty. However, amid all this emotion, one reality must be expressed clearly and compassionately: your KCSE results are important, but they do not define your worth, intelligence, or destiny.
We often allow grades to become labels. An “A” quickly becomes brilliant. A “C” becomes mediocre. An “E” becomes a failure. When these labels are repeated frequently enough, they become ingrained in pupils’ identities, influencing how they view themselves and what they believe is achievable. However, reality has continually demonstrated that grades evaluate performance at a specific point in time, not purpose, resilience, innovation, character, or destiny.
Education is a tool, not a verdict. KCSE was created to measure knowledge of a syllabus, not to solve life’s larger issues, such as who I am. What am I excellent at? What problems can I solve? What contribution can I make? When we confuse education with destiny, we either make pupils feel ashamed or imprison them in pride. Neither helps them develop.
There is no certificate for one’s purpose. It is discovered gradually—through exposure, contemplation, failure, discipline, service, and bravery. Some students will discover their purpose at university. Others can benefit from technical education, entrepreneurship, artistic work, agriculture, athletics, or community leadership. There are no lesser paths. What matters is the compatibility of ability, interest, values, and opportunity.
If your results are outstanding, stay humble and eager to learn. If they do not meet your expectations, remember this: you are not finished, you are not behind, and you are not broken. This is not the end of the road; it is only a bend. Many successful and contented people did not start strong, but they refused to give up.
To parents and guardians, this moment is more important than you realize. Your statements and words today will reverberate for years. Celebrate effort, lead with knowledge, and correct with hope. Help young people ask better questions, not carry more shame.
These results will become a distant memory one day, but the decisions you make now will determine your life. Allow the grades to inform you, not cage you. Beyond the results are possibilities, and behind the grades is purpose.
The author is a Senior Lecturer, Seasoned Trainer & Consultant, and Author of Six Books, including Research Made Easy. She consults and trains on Strategy, Governance, Leadership, Team Development, Business Essential Skills, and Business Development Services(BDS).
You can buy her books on Amazon or at KISA Bookshop in Thika, or at Nuria Bookshop, Moi Avenue, Nairobi, by clicking the following links
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https://nuriakenya.com/product/dissecting-the-heart-of-leadership-by-dr-mary-mugo
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