Essy Okenyuri has challenged schools in rural areas to make the best use of available resources to achieve academic success instead of comparing themselves with institutions in urban areas that have better learning facilities.
The Kisii County nominated senator made the remarks on Friday while presiding over an education day at St. Francis Members Secondary School. She praised the school’s leadership for working hard to send many students to university after the 2025 examinations, attributing the success to determination and resilience despite limited resources.
The senator said her Nyaituga Foundation has tried its best to support schools with learning materials and has assisted some bright students from poor families to access education by paying school fees for them. She asked each school to prepare a readily available data bank for needy students for easy identification by willing sponsors. She also urged beneficiaries to work hard and make beneficial use of the support they receive from well-wishers.
During the event, Senator Okenyuri pledged to pay school fees for the whole year towards the education of Aaron Sagana, a total orphan at the school. She emphasised the importance of supporting needy students to access education, noting that such support breaks the cycle of poverty and gives learners a fair chance to compete nationally.
The school’s principal, Evans Onchweri, said the institution enrolled more than 100 students in the 2025 national examinations and succeeded in taking 115 students to university with a minimum entry grade of C+ and above. The school recorded an impressive mean score of 7.5. He thanked the teachers and the community for their tireless cooperation that has enabled the school to outshine more than 30 secondary schools in Kenyenya Sub-county.
Onchweri highlighted challenges such as overstretched classrooms and a lack of space for expansion. He, however, thanked the NG-CDF office for supporting the school from time to time. He regretted that some well-wishers who pledged support for school development failed to honour their promises, leaving the administration under stress.
The principal expressed hope that the school will post good Form Four examination results this year because teachers and students are working hard towards that goal. To prepare for examination success, the school has introduced early morning and evening remedial classes, regular internal testing and mentorship sessions with past candidates. Subject panels are also revising past papers and new syllabus areas, while the guidance and counselling department is handling exam anxiety. Onchweri added that parental involvement through academic clinics has improved, and the board is sourcing more desks and revision books to ease congestion.
READ ALSO: Senator Okenyuri calls for youth support, pays college fees for girl living with disability
Senator Okenyuri urged teachers and parents in rural schools to remain focused and innovative, saying commitment, discipline and proper use of available resources can bridge the gap between rural and urban institutions.
By Enock Okong’o
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
