Top student Naomi Kawira aims to be a civil engineer-KCSE 2017

Naomi Kawira Kirimi who topped the KCSE 2017 with 87.011 points wants to pursue civil engineering at the University of Nairobi.

"When I heard my name I could not believe that I had actually made such a great achievement," she told journalists on Wednesday.

"Reality hit me when my friends started calling and congratulating me. I am thankful to the Lord for this far he has brought me," Kawira said.

The girl said she waited for good results but never expected to be the best student in the country.

"I trusted in God. Remained focused. Worked hard and consulted with my teachers to achieve this," she said.

Kawira singled out her chemistry teacher Mrs Sitati, her English teacher Mrs Ombati, and parents who mentored her to achieve the high grades.

"My parents motivated me together with my sister who graduated with a first class honours in Economics at the University of Nairobi."

"I told myself that one cant change their past but can change their future," the girl, who scored 422 marks in KCPE at Chogoria primary school, said.

She spoke to journalists at Chogoria Mission Hospital Tharaka Nithi  where her mother works as a nurse.

Kawira's mother Jane Kirimi said the girl always topped her class since nursery school adding that she was very happy for her daughter.

"I expected her to get A plain but I thank God she is the best in the country," she said of Naomi who is the second born in the family of two girls.

"I have been always there for her. During the holidays, I made sure I had taken my leave so I can be there for her buying books, encouraging and praying for her."

The family hails from Kithurine in South Imenti in Meru county. Her father Kirimi Murungi is a teacher at Kinoru primary school.