A student from Garissa moved President Uhuru Kenyatta with a narration on patriotism, saying there is no better alternative than their motherland.

Mohamed Yusuf from Garissa High School told the story of a fish that longed to live outside water but was caught and cooked.

Every time the fish came into contact with it water, the water asked, 'Oh, I thought you said you never wanted to see me'," Yusuf narrated.

"Just like the fish could not run away from water, we cannot run away from Kenya. Let us love our country because we do not have another country," he said.

The president posed for a selfie with Yusuf and thanked him for the remark.

"Hey, I was touched by your statement, it was very moving. Keep up the good spirit, young man," he said.

Uhuru and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta hosted students under the Pupils Reward Scheme mentorship programme at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday night.

The group of 49 learners from all counties was the fifth to be hosted under the programme launched in May.

Student Flavian Muthaura said the programme has taught him that learning is not all about passing exams

Donna Nyamboke from Alliance Girls called on beneficiaries of the initiative to use the exposure to guide their future.

Robert Odhiambo and Dennis Gitau said the exposure has given them the courage and confidence to be more determined in all they do.

Uhuru asked the students to pursue success regardless of their backgrounds.

"The future is not dependent on your past but we use lessons from our past to build our future," he said.

"The future is not determined by who your parents are. It is the efforts you put that will shape your ability to become what you want to be."

Noting that the initiative was started to motivate the youth to play more key roles in society, Uhuru asked the students to be patriotic and inspire others with their experiences.

"The purpose of this programme is to make you work harder. Life is short but it can be fulfilling when you are the master of your destiny," he said.

"Do not waste your opportunity to succeed and do not sit on your laurels."

Among criteria for the mentorship programme are talent in arts and sports.