Mahanga Friends Senior School Students ….Photo/IP
By Godfrey Wamalwa
Mahanga Friends Senior School in Webuye West Sub-county has emerged as one of the most improved schools in Bungoma County after posting an impressive performance in the latest Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, producing 28 candidates with direct entry to public universities.
The achievement has thrust the little-known public day secondary school into the county’s academic spotlight, marking a remarkable turnaround for an institution that had previously attracted little attention in Bungoma’s education landscape.
Education stakeholders have described the results as a major boost for day schools, which often contend with limited resources and constrained study time.
At the centre of the school’s resurgence is Principal Violet Lumire, whose leadership has been widely credited for the transformation.
Her hands-on management style, emphasis on discipline and ability to inspire both teachers and learners have earned her praise within and beyond the school community.
Colleagues say her leadership skills have motivated staff to go the extra mile and instilled renewed confidence among students.
Speaking after the release of the results, Lumire attributed the success to hard work, teamwork and discipline, supported by strong collaboration with the Board of Management.
She noted that the school adopted a collective approach to academic improvement, ensuring every stakeholder played a role in the turnaround.
“This performance is the result of shared responsibility. Teachers committed themselves fully, learners embraced discipline, and the Board of Management offered consistent support,” she said.
Under her leadership, the school strengthened academic structures through regular assessments, close monitoring of syllabus coverage and enhanced collaboration among teachers across departments.
Learners also benefited from mentorship programs and guidance initiatives aimed at nurturing self-discipline and a positive attitude towards education.
Education officials in Webuye West Sub-county lauded the results, noting that producing 28 direct university qualifiers from a day school is a significant milestone.
They observed that the performance challenges the long-held perception that quality academic outcomes are the preserve of national and extra-county schools.
Parents and community leaders have hailed the achievement as a testament to what focused leadership and unity of purpose can deliver.
Many noted that Lumire’s leadership has inspired confidence in public day schools and rekindled hope among parents whose children depend on affordable local institutions for quality education.
Students, too, credited the school’s supportive learning environment and close teacher-student engagement for their success.
“The principal and teachers kept encouraging us to stay disciplined and focused. We felt supported throughout,” said one candidate who attained direct university entry.
The Board of Management was also praised for providing strategic oversight and creating an enabling environment for academic excellence. Members said they remain committed to supporting further improvements in infrastructure and learning resources.
With its latest KCSE performance, Mahanga Friends Senior School has rewritten its academic narrative, rising from obscurity to become a symbol of steady progress in Bungoma County,an achievement largely attributed to inspired leadership, teamwork and discipline.
