Edwin Sifuna has openly revealed that Mathematics and Chemistry ranked among the subjects he liked least during his secondary school days, disclosing that he once scored only 16 per cent in a Chemistry test.
In a recent interview recounting his educational path, the forthright lawmaker admitted that science subjects posed a persistent challenge throughout high school. He observed that, although he later thrived in law and politics, Chemistry remained one of his weakest academic areas.
“I remember one time I got 16 per cent in Chemistry,” Sifuna said while reflecting on his school experience and the subjects he found most challenging.
The senator explained that neither Mathematics nor Chemistry ever truly made sense to him, a sharp contrast to his stronger showing in humanities-oriented subjects. His confession has struck a chord with many Kenyans online, particularly students who struggle with sciences even as they excel in other fields.
Sifuna’s comments arose during a wider discussion about his schooling and upbringing. He has previously recounted the hardships he encountered in boarding school, indicating that his academic journey was at times difficult and far from enjoyable.
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Even with those early setbacks, Sifuna eventually trained as a lawyer and transitioned into politics. He gained national visibility as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement before securing the Nairobi senatorial seat in the 2022 Kenyan general election.
Many have interpreted his experience as proof that weak grades in certain subjects do not predetermine one’s destiny.
Numerous social media users praised the senator’s candour, noting that his story offers reassurance to learners discouraged by poor results in specific disciplines.
Education specialists frequently emphasise that learners possess diverse strengths, and Sifuna’s journey underscores that academic hurdles in school can coexist with later professional success.
His frank admission has since ignited wider conversations about education, subject preferences, and the many routes to success that extend beyond classroom performance.
By Joseph Mambili
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