The bar for celebrating academic excellence has been raised to the stratosphere. In a viral video that has captivated (and divided) the internet, a family in Eldoret has gifted their son, Kimeu, a brand new Toyota C-HR worth KES 4 million after he scored a straight A in the 2025 KCSE exams.

The video, shared by digital creator Becky, shows the teenager overwhelmed with emotion as his parents unveil the white hybrid SUV, adorned with ribbons and balloons. Kimeu was one of the 1,932 students nationally who achieved the top grade, a feat his parents deemed worthy of a luxury reward.

Motivation or Excess?

The grand gesture has sparked a fierce debate on parenting and privilege. While influencers praised the family for validating their son’s hard work, critics argued it sets an unrealistic standard. "Most kids got a chicken dinner; this kid got a car he can't even drive yet," joked one user on X.

• The Trend of "Exam Gifts": This incident highlights a growing culture of extravagant rewards for exam performance among Kenya’s upper middle class. From iPhones to Dubai trips, the stakes for passing KCSE are becoming increasingly monetary.
• The Boy's Future: Kimeu, who plans to study Medicine, now faces the pressure of maintaining this trajectory. "The car is a motivation," his father told reporters. "He delivered, so we delivered."

A Viral Moment

Whether viewed as an act of love or a display of opulence, the story has dominated the post-KCSE news cycle. For Kimeu, the A grade opened the door to university, but his parents opened the door to a life of luxury before he even stepped into a lecture hall.