A secondary school student from Bungoma has surprised teachers and parents after recording a major improvement in recent examinations following a long struggle with poor grades. The student had consistently ranked near the bottom of the class, a situation that caused frustration at home and concern among teachers.

According to the student’s mother, repeated efforts to help had failed. “We hired a tutor and even changed study routines, but nothing worked,” she said. “My child was losing confidence every term.”

Teachers said the learner was disciplined but appeared blocked during exams. One teacher explained, “The effort was there, but the results did not reflect it. That is what worried us.”

Things changed after the family sought guidance aimed at restoring focus and confidence. The student said the process helped reduce fear and self doubt that usually set in during exams. “I used to panic when I saw the paper,” the student said. “This time I felt calm and remembered what I studied.”

In the most recent opener exam, the student scored well above the previous average, moving from the bottom section to the middle of the class. Classmates noticed the difference immediately. One said, “We were shocked. The answers were well organised and confident.”

The class teacher confirmed the improvement and said it was consistent across several subjects. “This was not luck,” the teacher said. “The work showed understanding and confidence.”

Speaking on academic challenges, Dr Kashiririka said many students fail not because they are weak, but because fear blocks their ability. “When the mind is settled, learning flows naturally,” he said. “Guidance helps remove fear so effort can show results.”

He added that discipline and revision must follow any form of guidance. “There is no shortcut to success,” Dr Kashiririka said. “The student must still read and listen in class.”

Education experts say mental wellbeing plays a big role in academic performance, especially among learners facing repeated failure. They encourage parents to support children emotionally rather than relying only on punishment.

The student said the improvement has renewed hope. “I now believe I can do better,” the learner said, adding that the goal is to continue improving steadily.

Parents at the school described the case as encouraging, saying it reminds them that confidence and focus are key to academic success.