A Journey of Excellence and Determination
Riziki Mpekethu gained national recognition in 2013 after achieving the second-highest score in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams, with an impressive 442 out of 500 marks. Her remarkable performance not only placed her among the top students in the country but also made her a role model for many Kenyan children.
Her success was widely covered by local newspapers, highlighting her achievements and inspiring others to strive for excellence. Riziki described the experience as surreal, noting that it created high expectations that followed her into her high school years.
Twelve years after her KCPE triumph, Riziki shared her journey with Viral In Media.co.ke, revealing that she attended Loreto Girls in Limuru for her secondary education. During this time, she faced a difficult decision between pursuing engineering or medicine. However, her brother’s choice to study medicine in university influenced her decision to follow a similar path.
“I think my brother’s choice inspired me to decide that I would also join medical school after high school,” Riziki said.
She sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2017 and achieved a perfect score. “I had an A in my KCSE, and importantly, in biology, I was among the few students who scored an A in the subject,” she explained. Interestingly, she had initially dropped biology in her early years of high school, but her mother insisted that she take it. She expressed gratitude for this decision, as it played a crucial role in her academic journey.
Choosing a Career in Medicine
After her success in the KCSE exams, Riziki enrolled at the University of Nairobi to study medicine. While she had considered studying abroad, she is glad she chose to stay in Kenya, as it allowed her to spend more time with her family.
Seven years later, Riziki graduated in December 2025, becoming Dr. Riziki. “When I finally settled on being a doctor, I considered how stable this career is and how it involves helping people. I really love doing that,” she said. She is currently awaiting her internship in 2027, which will allow her to obtain her license to practice.
“Medical school was a long journey, but I believe it was worth every moment,” she added.
Advice for Future Generations
As a successful graduate and aspiring medical professional, Riziki has some valuable advice for top performers in the KCSE exams. She encourages them to be open-minded when choosing their careers, emphasizing that there are numerous opportunities available, especially with advancements in technology.
“They should consider careers in technology and science, besides the traditional law, medicine or engineering careers that we are often expected to pick,” she said.
Riziki’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the importance of making informed decisions about one’s future. Her journey from a top-performing student to a qualified doctor serves as an inspiration to many young Kenyans who aspire to achieve greatness.