Hezta Senior School takes democracy higher as learners conduct IEBC-manned elections

Hezta Preparatory and Senior School is setting the pace in nurturing future leaders after successfully conducting a fully-fledged democratic students’ election in collaboration with the Nyandarua County Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), giving learners a real-life experience of governance and leadership.

In a unique and practical approach to education, all learners actively participated in the electoral process, from campaigns and debates to voting, mirroring a national election and instilling values of democracy, responsibility and accountability at an early stage.

School Principal Peter Gachoka said the institution allows learners to vie for various leadership positions within the students’ council, including the presidency, through a structured and competitive process.

He said that during the election period, candidates conduct one-week peaceful campaigns, presenting and selling their manifestos to fellow learners, presidential candidates faced debates that tested their leadership vision and communication skills.

“The election is conducted through a secret ballot, using official ballot boxes provided by IEBC, in the presence of IEBC officials and teachers to ensure credibility and transparency.” He said

Gachoka noted that both the school administration and parents play a key role in guiding candidates, helping them understand that elections have only two outcomes; winning or losing, and that both are part of the democratic process.

“We always guide learners and engage parents to understand that winning or losing in an election is a normal process in democracy and an important step in sharpening leadership skills,” said Gachoka.

In the 2026 Hezta School elections, Sandra Jebiwott and her running mate Aliana Josephine emerged victorious to become President and Deputy President respectively after securing 108 votes, beating their opponents who garnered 85, 69 and 28 votes respectively.

The newly elected leaders pledged to deliver on their manifesto by promoting academic excellence and discipline, while strengthening cooperation between students and teachers.

Sandra affirmed her commitment to ensuring learners focus on both academic and co-curricular activities to achieve quality results.

She also emphasized the importance of discipline, promising to work closely with teachers and students to ensure school rules are followed.

Other elected student leaders include Trever John (Minister of Environment), Ian Mutai (Minister of Games and Sports), Magdaline Gathoni (Minister of Boarding), Magdaline Wangui (Minister of Food Management), Rael Wangari (Minister of Environment), Austin Gachoka (Minister of Debating Club), Henry Kigo (Minister of Scouting and Band), Blessing Wangari (Minister of Wildlife), and Melissa Wanja (Minister of Time Keeping).

Class governors and senators were also elected across various classes, completing the student leadership structure.

Beyond leadership development, Hezta School continues to distinguish itself as one of the top-performing institutions in Nyandarua County and the Central Region, with a strong record of academic excellence spanning over two decades.

In last year’s KJSEA results, top candidates secured placements in prestigious national schools: David Gatheru (Alliance High School), Oscar Njoroge (Nyeri High), Angela Wairimu (Maryhill Girls), Victoria Gathigia (Loreto Kiambu), Valentaine Wairimu (Njonjo Girls), Jeff Kagwe (Nyandarua High), Dennis Njuru (Naivasha High), Tamran Nziwa (Senior Chief Koinange), Ian Kimani (Njiiris Boys), Telma Wanjiku (St.Teresa’s Moi Equator), John Gitau (Jamhuri High Nairobi),Victor Kanyingi (Ndururumo High), Joy Wambui (Kangubiri Girls), Pauline Nyambura (Damacrest), Ibrahimu Mwangi (Nyahururu High), Mark Njunguna (Ndururumo High),Winnie Njoki (Limuru Girls), Glen Wachira (Ndururumo High), MaryAnn Wanjiku (Kapgenda Girls), Moses Ndura Maina (Kijabe Boys), Anthony Githinji (Muhoho Boys) and Lewis Waithaka (Leshau Boys), among others.

The school director, Tabitha Wangari reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing well-rounded learners with strong academic performance, discipline and the ability to succeed in their future careers.

“We are committed to producing learners with high standards of discipline and quality academic achievements who can succeed in their future careers,” said Wangari.

The institution also boasts modern science and ICT laboratories, adequate facilities for agriculture practicals, and a strong academic support system aligned with the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework.

By Peter Otuoro