Public Service head Felix Koskei hands over school bus to Kipsigis Girls

Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei has handed over a new bus to Kipsigis Girls High School in Kericho County, fulfilling a pledge he made last year to the school.

The delivery followed concerns raised by the school community during an earlier visit, highlighting priority needs on the ground.

During the handover ceremony, Koskei lauded the 2025 candidate class for achieving an impressive mean score of 9.8 in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination, noting that over 98 percent of students met the minimum grade for direct university entry.

He described the results as a reflection of academic discipline, effective leadership, and sustained investment in quality education.

Koskei particularly commended the school’s performance in mathematics, pointing out that many candidates achieved grades of A and A-, dispelling the misconception that girls’ schools often underperform in sciences. He expressed pride in the accomplishment and challenged current students to raise the mean score to 11.0 next year.

“We want to come back next year and celebrate an even higher mean score. Work hard, remain focused, and aim for the very best,” Koskei urged.

The Head of Public Service also noted the school administration’s request for additional support to expand critical facilities, including a modern science laboratory, a fully equipped sanatorium to enhance student health services, and strengthened security infrastructure through a perimeter wall.

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Koskei directed the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Prof. Julius Bitok, to explore funding options for the language laboratory and assess feasibility for the other projects.

Principal Secretary for Justice, Human Rights, and Constitutional Affairs, Judith Pareno, an alumna of the school, encouraged students to leverage mentorship opportunities and government-backed programmes to excel in their careers. She credited the school with shaping her discipline and leadership, noting that she became the first Maasai woman lawyer, later served as a member of parliament, and now holds her current appointment.

“Take advantage of the environment you are in. This school can shape your destiny. If I could rise from here, so can you,” she said.

Pareno also highlighted the alumni association’s role in enhancing infrastructure, including funding a borehole and installing a comprehensive water supply system to address water shortages and improve sanitation.

Kericho County Governor Dr. Eric Kipkoech Mutai commended the school for nine years of consistent academic excellence, describing it as a flagship institution, and thanked Koskei for delivering the school bus, exemplifying integrity and leadership. He also raised concerns over a recent national policy directive on early childhood development training and emphasised ongoing discussions with the national government.

By Juma Ndigo