Amagoro: A form four student from Maseno School, Joseph Okisai, has emerged victorious in a mathematics contest, earning an iPad valued at Sh200,000 and Sh10,000 in cash. The competition, held in Amagoro, Teso North subcounty, was a one-day event organized by a community library and featured 115 contestants, primarily high school students from the area.
According to Kenya News Agency, the community library is operated by Kiwimbi Kenya, a local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that promotes numeracy and literacy skills in Mathematics and English. The library is open daily from 6am to 6pm, including weekends and public holidays. This mathematics contest was the first of its kind organized by the NGO and will become an annual event for local students.
The contest consisted of six levels, with the complexity increasing from basic mathematics in level one to advanced concepts in level six. Contestants scoring below 50% up to level four were eliminated. Only 17 participants advanced to the final level, with Okisai achieving the top score of 66%, after scoring 33 out of 54. The second-place contestant received a tablet and Sh5,000, while the third-place winner was awarded a smartphone and Sh4,000. Additional cash prizes and certificates were distributed to finalists placing sixth through tenth.
Prof. Olubayi Olubayi, founder of Kiwimbi Kenya, stated that the contest allows students to test their mathematical knowledge, preparing them for success in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The top five students were invited to a dinner hosted by Teso North MP Dr. Oku Kaunya at the conclusion of the competition.
Prof. Olubayi emphasized the contest’s goal of identifying and developing mathematical talent in Kenya to contribute to Africa’s industrialization. He encouraged the Amagoro community to utilize the library to enhance their knowledge. Okisai, the contest champion, has been utilizing the library since primary school and has read over 990 books, with a goal of reaching 4,000.
In addition to the library, Kiwimbi operates a computer lab, vocational training center, carpentry section, and a cultural museum. The NGO recently launched an agro-nutrition program and a feeding initiative for primary school candidates. Through these efforts, Kiwimbi is actively mentoring community students in academics and leadership.