In 2010, Fridah Jerop scored a D+ in her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, cutting short her nursing dream as the grade fell far below the cut-off points required for admission to a medical institution.
Last year, the 35-year-old mother of two returned to sit the same national examination. This time, she attained a B-, a big improvement 15 years after her first attempt. The results have reignited her ambition of joining the nursing profession.
The second-last born in her family, Ms Jerop married at the age of 23, three years after completing secondary school. Despite taking on family responsibilities, her desire to pursue a medical career never faded.
“I realised the grade I had scored could not allow me to progress with my studies, but the dream never left me,” she recalled.
In early 2024, Ms Jerop, who hails from Kapchorwa village in Kilibwoni Ward, Nandi County registered to resit her KCSE examinations as a private candidate. But by July of that year, however, she dropped out, feeling unprepared.
Determined not to give up, she registered again in 2025 as a private candidate at Kapserton ACE/NFE Centre. She registered for the examinations quietly, studied mostly from home and told only one family member—one of her sisters. She feared disappointing her family if she failed again.
When the results were released two weeks ago, she got the B- result, which changed everything.
Her results have inspired many, and she attributes her remarkable turnaround to discipline, resilience and relentless hard work.
“I failed my 2010 KCSE at Kabirirsang Secondary School because my family could not afford school fees,” she said.
“I was attending a local day school far from home, and I had to walk long distances. Sometimes fatigue would overwhelm me,” she recalled.
Ms Jerop studied with guidance from a few dedicated teachers—Mr Bethuel Serem, Mr James Serem and Ms Janet Jepkosgei—until September last year.
“I put in all my effort and scored a B-. It was incredibly exciting. I finally saw light at the end of the tunnel,” she said, smiling.
Ms Jerop’s path has not been easy. In 2014, she attempted to sponsor her own education despite financial hardship.
“During that time, I pursued a certificate in grocery and baking. Between 2014 and 2015, I sold firewood to tea factories to raise money,” she said.
Later, her sister supported her during her diploma studies, but she eventually dropped out for personal reasons.
She left her marriage in 2018, and by 2021, having faced struggles while relying on casual jobs, her sister started encouraging her to return to school.
Nandi County Director of Education Harrison Muriuki (left), presents Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations papers to an examination centre manager.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
According to Nandi County Director of Education Harrison Muriuki, the county had 55 private KCSE candidates last year, in a programme that caters for adult learners, repeat candidates and those who missed earlier opportunities.
“They are offered morning, day and evening classes, with some learning from home or online,” Mr Muriuki said.
“Most private candidates performed well and can now advance their studies or secure employment. As we wind down the 8-4-4 system, the number of private candidates is increasing because many do not want to be locked out,” he added.
With her dream of becoming a nurse slowly becoming a reality, the mother of two children aged 14 and 10 is appealing for support to take the next step.
“I am asking well-wishers to help me through a scholarship so that I can realise my dream of becoming a nurse and support my family in the future,” she said.
