Salahudin Selel Muhumed with his mother Samriya Muale
muhumed at their Masalani home in Ijara sub county, Garissa./STEPHEN ASTARIKO
A bright spark from Garissa County has emerged as one of the standout achievers in the recently released Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results, with determination, discipline, and unwavering family support powering his success.
A top student at Kenyatta High School, Mwatate, Salahudin Selel Muhumed credited his impressive A- (minus) grade to hard work, dedication, and strong family backing.
Speaking to the press on Friday at his family’s Masalani home in Garissa County shortly after the results were announced, an elated Salahudin said the excellent performance did not come as a surprise, as he had confidence in the effort he put in throughout his academic journey.
Salahudin thanked his family, noting that they stood by him throughout his education by ensuring he was comfortable and that his school fees at the national school were paid on time.
“I take this opportunity to first thank Allah for giving me this chance, and my family members—especially my elder brother—who ensured I had everything I needed to succeed,” he said.
The 19-year-old orphan from the remote village of Korisa in Ijara, Garissa County, also praised his teachers, saying they were always supportive and available whenever he needed academic guidance.
“I have always expected to perform well, so this success is not a surprise. I hope to pursue medicine, though I will consult with my family before making a final decision,” he added.
Salahudin is the sixth-born in a family of eleven. He scored 395 marks in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), emerging second-best at Hara Primary School in Ijara Constituency, which earned him admission to Kenyatta High School, Mwatate, a national school in Taita Taveta County.
His elder brother, Feysal Selel, said the family had high expectations of Salahudin and believed he was capable of achieving an even higher grade.
“I expected him to score a straight A because he has always been a top performer both in primary and secondary school. Unfortunately, he suffered from a severe flu during the examination period. Nonetheless, I am very proud of him, and we will continue to support him,” Feysal said.
Despite the family’s financial challenges, Feysal noted that they ensured Salahudin joined the national school he had been admitted to and received all the support he needed, describing his success as a collective family achievement.
Feysal also recalled a social media post he shared four years ago ahead of Salahudin’s KCPE examinations, expressing confidence in his future.
“He said he wanted to become a surgeon, so I gave him my theatre scrubs. From that point, he became the best in his class. With Allah’s guidance, he will do great things. Prayers for this dedicated surgeon-to-be and his peers,” wrote the medic.
Salahudin’s former primary school head teacher, Ahmed Ali Mursal, praised him for his consistency, discipline, and commitment to his studies.
“He was highly disciplined, and as the Hara Primary School family, we are proud of his KCSE performance and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” he said.