Baraka Kahugu

15 years old, attending Peponi School, Nairobi, Kenya. Baraka was awarded a Beacon Scholarship in June 2022.

Baraka has continued to strive for academic distinction during his second year as a Beacon Scholar, attaining mostly As across his subjects and very good effort grades. He won the Headmaster’s Prize for Excellence in 9 out of 10 subjects and first place in school in the International University of Waterloo Maths Competition.

A skilled musician, Baraka plays the violin in the school orchestra and string ensemble, performing in several school concerts; he took part in the Young Musicians Competition and achieved a Merit in his Grade 5 ABRSM exam. He plays for the U15 and U17 school basketball teams and for the U15 football team, and is a talented debater, winning best speaker in an interhouse debate.

Voted onto the School Council for the second time, Baraka has been instrumental in his post as Deputy Praepostor (Prefect) highlighting a variety of issues. He was a delegate at the MSMUN Conference and won the Honorary Award for Excellence and Helpfulness for his work coaching and mentoring younger participants.

Baraka has a longstanding commitment to support and raise awareness for children with cancer; he has visited the children of Kenyatta National Hospital helping with therapeutic sessions and has collected donations. He has organised and taken part in a 21km fundraising walk, involving friends, family and other schools and has further walks and promotional videos planned for the summer. 

Beacon Workshop Participation

At Leadership Workshops, Baraka has really grown in his self-expression and oracy skills. His contributions to workshop activities are well composed, succinct and valuable. 

Baraka’s 2024 Beacon Summer Citizenship Project focused on spreading awareness of childhood cancer as well as promoting an upcoming sponsored walks to raise money for the children.