The 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results, released on January 9 by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, revealed a rise in straight Grade A candidates. A total of 1,932 students, 0.19% of entrants, earned a straight Grade A plain, up from 1,693 in 2024. Among the achievers is Ryan Mwenda, popularly known as Young Simba from the Citizen TV series Zora.
Zora follows the life of a resilient mother, Zora, as she navigates an abusive marriage while raising her mischievous son, Simba. Ryan Mwenda plays Simba, showcasing both talent and dedication on screen.
Young Simba celebrated his academic achievement alongside his acting career. In a video shared by Jiffy Pictures, Simba praised the discipline required to succeed. “It is a year with a lot to sacrifice- a lot of discipline. We had to stay focused, and we truly believed in ourselves. We thank Light Academy for everything they helped us accomplish so far,” he said.
Light Academy, where Simba sat his exams, recorded a mean grade of 9.28 and a 99% university transition rate. While Simba’s exact grade was not disclosed, his classmates celebrated by carrying him on their shoulders.
Fans and fellow actors congratulated him on social media, praising his dedication and expressing pride in his achievement. Comments highlighted admiration for balancing academics and acting, with many attributing his success to hard work and divine blessing.
Young Simba’s performance demonstrates that dedication and focus can lead to success in multiple areas, inspiring young Kenyans across the country.
