Geoffrey Mosiria, the Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, paints a vivid picture of the difficult transition many bright students face once they leave school. His reflection captures the gap between academic achievement and real-world outcomes, especially for young people who were consistently at the top of their class but find themselves starting life with limited opportunities.
Why Do Top Students Struggle After School?
Mosiria’s message reflects a common experience among high achievers who grow up hearing that academic success guarantees a smooth future. He describes students who excelled from primary school through university but end up returning to their villages or settling in small, modest homes while trying to find their footing.
He shared a powerful example that many young graduates relate to. “You work so hard in school, always top of your class, teachers praising you like you’re the next Einstein. Primary school number one in KCPE. Secondary A plain in KCSE. Campus, you graduate with honours. Then after all that brilliance, you find yourself back in the village… And if you’re lucky, you start life in a single room in Kawangware.”
According to Mosiria, the struggle is real for these once-celebrated students who now carry brown envelopes of CVs across town, hoping for an opportunity that aligns with their years of effort. Meanwhile, life takes an unexpected turn for some of their former classmates who struggled academically and appeared unlikely to succeed.
What Creates the Contrast Between High Achievers and Former Strugglers?
Mosiria explains that the sharp contrast becomes more visible in adulthood. As the top-performing student battles uncertainty and slow progress, they often meet former classmates enjoying financial stability and comfort.
He illustrated this contrast with a striking moment. “Fast-forward to CBD: you, with your brown envelope full of photocopied CVs, bump into that boy, yes, the one who used to be last in class, driving a brand-new Range Rover worth Ksh43 million, with bodyguards opening doors for him.”
Beyond the shock and disappointment, Mosiria notes the emotional toll that quietly builds up for many young people. The feeling of being left behind despite years of hard work can be overwhelming, especially when society expected them to thrive.
Mosiria concludes with a reminder that life after school unfolds differently for everyone and that success is not always tied to grades. He encourages people to check on former classmates who might be struggling in silence. “SERKALI! SERKALI! Chopi wenu ako wapi majamaa… Don’t forget to check on them, please.”
By Modester Nasimiyu