Kariobangi Sharks midfielder Humphrey 'Tible' Aroko is over the moon after scoring C+ in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
This is a significant improvement to the 195 marks he scored in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) back in 2020.
In an interview with Nation.Africa on Friday, Ariko, who sat this exam at Highway High School, said he was delighted to have met the university qualifying mark of 48 points.
"I was expecting a C- or D+ since I did not perform well in KCPE," said the 17-year-old who excelled in his favourite subjects: French (C+) and History (B+).
Determined not to improve on his KCPE results, Aroko sought admission to any secondary school that would offer him admission.
While he received enrolment letters from lesser-known schools in Kitale, he remained confident he could prove a point to himself and his family.
Aroko joined Highway Secondary School in 2021 in Form One on a football scholarship, facilitated by coach Beldine Odemba who coaches Kenya Police Bullets in the Football Kenya Federation Women Premier League (FKF-WPL) and the Harambee Starlets.
Noticing Aroko's potential, Odemba, the Highway football team coach, negotiated with the School Principal, Patrick Irungu, to secure Aroko's admission despite his low grades.
"After discussing Aroko's discipline and performance on the pitch with Ms Odemba, I was convinced Aroko would excel academically and in football," said Irungu.
"They taught me that education complements talent. After my poor KCPE results, I found a supportive school with welcoming teachers."
The third of four siblings did well in Biology (B) and Mathematics (B), with Irungu suggesting he should consider Sports Medicine, given his interest in sports.
Aroko, however, is still undecided on his career path.
"I've always wanted to be a professional footballer like Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, who inspires me. I'll decide soon," he said.
While balancing talent and academics, Aroko became the assistant captain of Highway Secondary School football team in Form Two in 2022.
Highway Secondary School represented Kenya at the East Africa School Games in Tanzania after finishing second in the national games where they lost 1-0 to Ebwali Boys High School in the finals.
In 2024, Aroko helped his school win the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) national title for the first time in the school's history after they defeated Musingu Boys High 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
He was then named the MVP after scoring four goals in five matches that led Highway to qualify for the East Africa Games in Uganda, where they were eliminated in the preliminary round.
Aroko, who joined Kariobangi Sharks at 11 years, was promoted to the senior team in 2022 and made his Kenyan Premier League debut as a substitute on January 19, 2024 in match his team drew 0-0 against Sofapaka at Kasarani Annex Stadium in Nairobi.
On Sunday, Aroko will make his first start for Sharks in their meeting with Mathare United at the Dandora Stadium in Nairobi.
"I have watched Aroko play since he was a small boy. He is talented and has a bright future. He is one of the star players for the national team in the future," Muluya said.
"While talent is important, I encourage him to prepare for life after football and take a good course," the coach pointed out.
Also in 2024, Aroko was called up to the Under-20 national team for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Tanzania but could not make it because at the time he was preparing for KCSE exams.
Kenya and Tanzania will represent East Africa in the continental tournament that will be held in South Africa this year.
Aroko played for Kenya Under-18 during the 2023 Cecafa Under-18 Championship. Kenya lost 2-1 to Uganda in the final at Kisumu’s, Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, on December 8, 2023.
"My dream is to play for Harambee Stars. It only calls for discipline and dedication for my dream can come true one day," said Aroko.
Aroko plays as an attacking midfielder, but can also play as a striker and loves to wear the number 10 jersey. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, pool, and table tennis. His favourite meal is chapati and meat.
When asked whether he would miss high school life, he said, "Yes, I will miss waking up early, playing football with my classmates, and attending funkies."
Indeed, a future Harambee Stars player.
