A family in Kanyaliech village, Karachuonyo Constituency, Kenya, is mourning the loss of their 17-year-old daughter, Conjestina Achieng, who died on November 2, shortly after sitting her first Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination paper. Achieng, a Form Four candidate at Alaru Central Mixed Secondary School, reportedly suffered an asthma attack on the evening of the same day, which was the opening day of the national examinations.
According to Achieng's mother, Pamela Atieno, the day had started like any other examination day, with the family preparing the teenager to sit her first KCSE papers. Atieno said she prepared her daughter before her brother-in-law took her to school for the examinations. However, the family received devastating news later in the day after the school's deputy headteacher called, asking them to make arrangements to take Achieng to hospital.
Atieno narrated that she sent her brother-in-law to pick Achieng from school so that they could seek medication. On reaching the private facility, before the healthcare providers could start attending to her, Achieng passed away. The grieving mother described Achieng as a cherished daughter whose absence would leave an enormous gap in the family. She explained that Achieng was her only daughter among three children, with two boys.
Achieng's father revealed that his daughter had been experiencing chest pains for some time, prompting him to buy medication to manage the discomfort. He said that the day before exams, he had given her some medicine and she was feeling better. Achieng's father also disclosed that his daughter had hoped to become a lawyer and was dedicated to her studies, wanting to transform the family's fortunes.
Achieng's class teacher, Austin Ochina, said the student complained of chest pains while at school, prompting teachers to contact her family so that she could receive medical attention. Ochina described Achieng as a gentle, composed, and disciplined student who rarely got into trouble. He recalled that throughout her four years at the institution, she had maintained an exemplary record of conduct.
Ochina noted that since Form One, he had never punished Achieng because she had been very disciplined. The teacher's sentiments reflect the positive impact Achieng had on her school community. The school community is yet to release a formal statement on Achieng's death.
The incident has sparked concern about students' health and well-being during national examinations. Authorities have not commented on the incident, but it highlights the need for schools and families to prioritize students' health.
Key points
- Conjestina Achieng, a 17-year-old student from Homa Bay, died due to an asthma attack after completing her first KCSE paper.
- Achieng's family and teachers have remembered her as a disciplined and dedicated student who had aspirations of becoming a lawyer.
- The incident raises concerns about students' health and well-being during national examinations in Kenya.
