- Hillary Muhalya encourages learners, teachers, parents and education stakeholders to embrace perseverance, discipline and integrity as schools begin the crucial third term.
- He argues that consistent effort and honest preparation remain the surest path to success in examinations and life.
As schools across Kenya embark on the third term, the focus has shifted to one of the most decisive periods in the academic calendar. Classrooms have transformed into centres of intensive revision, consultation, assessment and preparation as learners and teachers work tirelessly towards national and institutional examinations. Candidates preparing for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), Teacher Training College (TTC) examinations, TVET competency assessments, college examinations and university end-of-semester examinations are entering a season that demands discipline, resilience, commitment and integrity.
It is during such a defining moment that the timeless words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. become profoundly relevant: “If you cannot fly, then run. If you cannot run, then walk. If you cannot walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” These inspiring words, together with his equally powerful statement, “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way,” provide a blueprint for every learner, teacher, parent, lecturer, trainer and education stakeholder as the examination season approaches.
The essence of Dr. King’s message is that genuine progress matters more than speed. Every learner begins from a different academic position. Some have mastered most of the syllabus and are confidently revising, while others are still strengthening their understanding of key concepts. Some schools have sufficient learning resources, while others continue to overcome significant challenges. Yet none of these differences should discourage learners or tempt them to seek dishonest shortcuts. What matters most is the determination to keep moving forward through hard work, discipline and honest effort.
Every step forward counts
The phrase, “If you cannot fly, then run,” speaks to candidates who are academically prepared and performing exceptionally well. These learners should continue refining their examination skills through regular revision, practising past papers, participating in group discussions and helping classmates who require academic support. Excellence is maintained through consistency and humility.
“If you cannot run, then walk,” encourages learners whose progress has been gradual. Improvement does not always happen dramatically. Sometimes it comes through understanding one topic today, mastering another tomorrow, correcting previous mistakes and steadily building confidence. Every assignment completed, every classroom discussion attended, every revision exercise undertaken and every correction made contributes to eventual success.
Never underestimate little progress. Every great achievement begins with small, consistent steps. A learner who improves from scoring 30 marks to 45 marks has made meaningful progress. Another who raises their performance from a C- to a C+ is moving in the right direction. These seemingly small gains are the building blocks of academic excellence. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words remind us that whether we are flying, running, walking or crawling, every forward step counts. What matters is not how fast we progress but our determination to keep moving forward. Small improvements made consistently every day eventually produce outstanding results in KPSEA, KJSEA, KCSE, TTC, TVET, college and university examinations, while also equipping learners with the knowledge, confidence, competence and integrity needed to excel in life.
Perhaps the most encouraging part of Dr. King’s message is, “If you cannot walk, then crawl.” Some learners may still be struggling academically due to illness, financial hardships, family challenges or disappointing results in previous examinations. Others may feel overwhelmed by difficult subjects or the limited time remaining before examinations begin. Dr. King reminds them that even the smallest academic effort matters. Reading one chapter, solving one mathematics problem, revising one scientific principle, writing one composition or learning one new concept each day is still meaningful progress. Every small step taken with determination moves a learner closer to success.
However, the final instruction—”Whatever you do, keep moving forward”—also carries an important message about academic integrity. Progress should never be achieved through examination malpractice, manipulation of continuous assessment scores, inflated school rankings, leaked examination materials, impersonation or any other dishonest practice. Genuine academic success is built upon knowledge, competence, discipline and character. Results that do not reflect a learner’s true ability ultimately undermine the credibility of education and deny learners the opportunity to develop the skills they need for higher education and the world of work.
Integrity must guide the examination season
The third term should therefore become a national season of authentic learning rather than artificial performance. Schools should focus on strengthening understanding instead of merely chasing grades. Revision should promote critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and independent learning. Every examination should accurately reflect what learners know and are capable of doing.
Teachers remain the backbone of this process. Beyond completing the syllabus, they shape the character and values of future generations. Through quality lesson preparation, objective assessment, timely marking of assignments, remedial teaching and continuous encouragement, teachers nurture learners who appreciate the value of honest achievement. Their professionalism safeguards the credibility of Kenya’s education system.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s second statement, “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way,” resonates strongly with the teaching profession. Every lesson prepared with dedication, every learner guided patiently, every script marked fairly, every practical lesson conducted effectively and every encouraging word spoken to a struggling learner may appear small, but together these actions transform lives and improve examination outcomes.
Learners, too, should embrace the power of small daily disciplines. Attending every lesson punctually, completing assignments independently, asking questions whenever concepts are unclear, revising consistently, participating actively in classroom discussions, respecting examination regulations and maintaining self-discipline are the habits that produce credible academic success. Great examination results are rarely the product of last-minute cramming. They are built through months of consistent preparation.
Parents and guardians equally have an indispensable role. Rather than placing excessive pressure on children to achieve top grades at any cost, they should encourage perseverance, provide emotional support, create conducive environments for revision and celebrate genuine improvement. Academic excellence should never come at the expense of honesty or personal character.
As schools prepare candidates for KPSEA, KJSEA, KCSE, TTC examinations, TVET assessments, college examinations and university end-of-semester examinations, every stakeholder must reaffirm a commitment to integrity. National examinations should remain credible measures of learning and competence. Schools should celebrate authentic achievement rather than artificial performance, while learners should understand that the greatest reward is not merely passing an examination but acquiring knowledge that prepares them for life.
Ultimately, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s timeless wisdom reminds the education community that success belongs to those who persevere honestly. Whether one is flying, running, walking or crawling, the destination should always be reached through hard work, determination, patience and integrity. As the third term unfolds, let every classroom become a place where excellence is earned, character is nurtured and credibility is protected.
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The nation does not merely need learners with impressive certificates—it needs graduates who are knowledgeable, competent, ethical, innovative and ready to serve society with integrity. That journey begins with honest preparation today. Let every learner, teacher, parent, lecturer and school leader embrace Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring call: Keep moving forward—with integrity, determination and excellence.
By Hillary Muhalya
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