- Oriwo Boys High School has been elevated to Cluster One status, placing it among Kenya’s leading secondary schools.
- Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo praised the school’s academic excellence and pledged support for infrastructure development.
- Education stakeholders say the new status marks a major milestone in the institution’s growth and national recognition.
Oriwo Boys High School in Karachuonyo Constituency marked a historic achievement after being elevated to Cluster One (C1) status, a move that places the institution among the country’s leading secondary schools and reinforces its reputation for academic excellence.
The celebrations took place at the school on June 19, 2026, and were attended by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who praised the school’s strong academic record, discipline and consistent progress. He also pledged government support towards improving key infrastructure within the institution.
Addressing students, teachers, parents and guests, Omollo congratulated the school community for attaining the prestigious status, noting that the accomplishment was the result of years of commitment by learners, teachers, parents, alumni and other stakeholders.
“This school is no longer just a regional institution. It is now a national school that attracts students from across the country. We must therefore ensure that its infrastructure matches its new status,” he said.
The Principal Secretary disclosed that the government would respond to the school’s request for the improvement of roads and walkways within the compound.
“We will ensure that we take care of the road as requested by the principal so that this school is not just a national school by name. As students move from their dormitories to classrooms, they should walk on proper cabro-paved paths befitting a national institution,” he said.
Outstanding KCSE Performance
Omollo commended the 2025 KCSE candidates for their exceptional results, describing the performance as a reflection of the school’s academic standards.
He revealed that out of the 599 students who sat the national examination, only two failed to achieve grades required for direct university admission.
“Even those who did not qualify for university attained grades that allow them to continue with their education. That is a remarkable achievement that deserves celebration,” he said.
The PS challenged the current Form Four class of more than 720 candidates to build on the success of the previous cohort and strive for a 100 per cent university qualification rate in the 2026 KCSE examinations.
He further encouraged learners to embrace discipline, responsibility and respect, reminding them that success extends beyond academic grades.
“Not all of you will score As or Bs, but if you are disciplined, respectful and focused, you will go places. Respect yourselves, your teachers, your parents and your community,” he told the students.
As a native of the region, Omollo assured the school of his continued support and urged future graduates to give back to the institution and community that helped shape them.
He also applauded the school’s alumni network for actively contributing to infrastructure development and mentorship programmes, noting that their involvement had significantly contributed to the institution’s growth and success.
Government Support for Grassroots Development
Beyond education matters, Omollo highlighted several government initiatives aimed at strengthening grassroots development and enhancing security.
He noted that the national government had, for the first time, allocated funds to support village elders.
According to the PS, the move acknowledges the vital role village elders play in maintaining peace, resolving conflicts and supporting community development efforts.
“For the first time, village elders will receive a stipend to support the important work they do in matters of security and development across the Republic of Kenya,” he said.
He also commended the prevailing peace and stability in the region, observing that security remains a critical foundation for social and economic development.
Speaking to parents and students, Omollo described education as the most powerful tool for social transformation and equal opportunity.
He cited the government’s continued investment in the sector, including the recruitment of more than 100,000 teachers within the last three years, as evidence of President William Ruto’s commitment to improving educational outcomes.
The PS added that the President has supported numerous schools across the country, including Oriwo Boys High School, which has benefited from projects such as a school bus, an ICT hub equipped with computers and other development initiatives.
The elevation of Oriwo Boys High School to Cluster One status represents a major milestone in the institution’s 58-year journey.
Founded as a community school, the institution has grown steadily into one of the country’s respected centres of learning, attracting students from across Kenya and maintaining a strong record of academic achievement.
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Education stakeholders who attended the celebrations expressed confidence that the new status will attract additional resources, enhance the school’s academic performance and strengthen its position among Kenya’s top national schools.
By Joseph Mambili
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