Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has candidly shared that Mathematics and Chemistry were his least favorite subjects during his high school years, revealing that he once scored just 16 percent in a Chemistry exam.
Speaking in a recent interview about his academic journey, the outspoken legislator said he consistently struggled with science subjects throughout secondary school.
He explained that despite his later success in law and politics, his performance in Chemistry was particularly poor.
“I remember one time I got 16 percent in Chemistry,” Sifuna said while reflecting on his school experience and the subjects he found most challenging.
The senator noted that both Mathematics and Chemistry were areas he never fully grasped, contrasting sharply with his stronger performance in arts-based subjects.
His admission has since resonated with many Kenyans online, especially students who face similar difficulties in science disciplines despite excelling elsewhere.
Sifuna’s remarks emerged during a broader reflection on his education and upbringing.
He has previously spoken about the difficulties he experienced in boarding school, suggesting that his academic journey was not always smooth or enjoyable.
Despite those early struggles, Sifuna went on to pursue a legal career and later entered politics. He rose to national prominence as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement before winning the Nairobi senatorial seat in the 2022 General Election.
His story has been widely interpreted as a reminder that poor performance in certain subjects does not necessarily define a person’s future success.
Many social media users praised the senator’s honesty, saying his experience offers encouragement to learners who may be discouraged by low marks in specific subjects.
Education experts often note that students have varied strengths across disciplines, and Sifuna’s experience reflects the broader reality that academic challenges in school can coexist with later professional achievement.
The senator’s candid revelation has therefore sparked conversations about education, subject preferences, and the diverse paths to success beyond the classroom.
