Schools, like any other business, face competition. This is especially true for rural schools that compete for enrolment rather than quality. A school that does not brand itself well will lose learners to neighbouring schools, even if it has good teachers.
This was said by Dr Peris Nyagaki, a motivational speaker and long-serving national examinations examiner, while speaking at Gesabakwa Secondary School in Bombaba Borabu Ward, Kenyenya Sub-County.
Gesabakwa Secondary School is a sub-county mixed day secondary school located in Bombaba Borabu Ward, Kenyenya Sub-County, Kisii County. It serves learners from the immediate farming community of Gesabakwa, Magena and surrounding villages in Majoge Borabu.
Like many rural sub-county schools, it was established to bring secondary education closer to the people after primary schools expanded, and it competes for learners with other sub-county schools in Kenyenya, such as Magena, Mokubo, Kerongorori and Magenge.
Smart uniforms enhance school image and discipline
Dr Nyagaki said good dressing is not about pride. It is about attitude, discipline and public image.
When a learner wears a clean, well-ironed and properly branded uniform, their mindset changes. They walk differently, talk differently, respect themselves and respect their school.
A torn, faded and oversized uniform makes a learner feel defeated before entering class. A smart uniform makes the learner feel like a candidate, like a winner.
She challenged principals to understand that rebranding school uniforms is part of school rebranding.
The world has changed. Parents and learners are looking at schools as brands. The first thing a parent sees is not the mean score; it is the uniform on the road.
If learners on the road look smart, disciplined and uniform, the parent says that the school is serious. If they look ragged, with different shades of grey and blue and shirts hanging outside, the parent concludes that the school has no leadership.
Uniform is a walking advertisement.
Dr Nyagaki noted that different students have different goals when joining a school. Some join to learn, some because of proximity and others for show-off. In the process, they use uniforms as bait.
If a school's uniform is outdated, dull and common, the show-off group will run to private schools or town schools where uniforms look executive.
But if schools rebrand and make their uniforms unique, decent, modern and affordable, they will attract and retain learners, and once they are enrolled, the schools can mould their character.
Principals challenged to embrace modern teaching methods
She also warned principals that they must remain alert and updated on every change in teaching methodology.
The world is now talking about hybrid teaching, Competency-Based Education, digital learning, differentiated learning and learner-centred approaches.
A principal who is still using the teaching methodology of 1995 cannot lead learners of 2026.
Good dressing must go hand in hand with good teaching. You cannot have a smart uniform and a dull classroom.
Rebranding must be comprehensive, from uniforms and staff dress codes to classroom displays, time management and public relations.
Gesabakwa Secondary School urged to begin rebranding
For Gesabakwa Secondary School, which sits in a competitive zone of Kenyenya with many upcoming schools, Dr Nyagaki advised that rebranding is not expensive. It is a decision.
She urged the school administration to agree with parents on one smart shade, one badge, one tie or sweater unique to Gesabakwa, enforce full uniform even on games days and train learners on how to wear their uniforms properly, including ties, belts, socks and polished shoes.
She also challenged teachers to lead by example, saying no teacher should come to school shabbily dressed while demanding smartness from learners.
She concluded that uniforms do not produce good grades by themselves, but they create the mindset that makes good grades possible.
Discipline starts from the body before it enters the brain. A school that looks good, feels good and teaches well will never lack enrolment or quality.
The talk was attended by teachers, parents, Board of Management members and students of Gesabakwa Secondary School, who agreed to start the rebranding process immediately.
Motivational speaker and national examinations examiner Dr Peris Nyagaki addresses teachers, parents and students at Gesabakwa Secondary School in Kenyenya Sub-County, Kisii County, where she calls for school rebranding, smart uniforms and modern teaching methods. Photo: Enock Okong'o.
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