By Caroline Katana
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, has commended Kinango Boys High School for its outstanding performance in the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), describing it as a symbol of academic transformation in the Coast region.
Speaking during the school’s prize-giving ceremony held at the institution on May 1, Mvurya praised the collective efforts of students, teachers, parents, and county leadership in elevating the school to national recognition.
“This is a moment of great pride. Kinango Boys was once not among schools recognised nationally, but today we are celebrating excellence. Our students have excelled and earned opportunities to join universities,” said Mvurya.
The Cabinet Secretary revealed that both students and teachers have set even higher academic ambitions.
While teachers have proposed a mean score target of 9.3, students have boldly set their sights on achieving a mean score of 10.5.
“The figure that will go into my records is 10.5. I will inform William Ruto that we have agreed on this target, and next year he should come here to celebrate with us,” he said, adding that he was attending the event on behalf of the President.
Kinango Boys High School 2025 candidates
Mvurya emphasised that education remains a top priority under President Ruto’s administration.
He noted that reforms in the education sector, including clarity on the transition from junior secondary school, have strengthened the system.
“The new education structure initially brought uncertainty, but that has since been resolved. Today, Kinango Boys stands at the C1 category, reflecting significant progress,” he said.
He further highlighted increased government investment in education, noting that the Ministry of Education has received funding exceeding KSh 750 billion.
“Just a week and a half ago, the President approved KSh 23.4 billion in capitation to support schools. Since he assumed office, over 100,000 teachers have been employed. Although a shortage still exists, more recruitment is underway to improve learning outcomes,” he added.
Mvurya acknowledged financial challenges faced by many parents and praised both national and county governments for strengthening education funding frameworks.
He specifically commended Fatuma Achani for increasing the county’s education bursary allocation to KSh 500 million, up from KSh 400 million during his tenure as governor.
The CS also underscored the importance of student health, linking it to academic success.
“Parents cannot educate children who are unwell. That is why the government introduced the Social Health Authority (SHA) to ensure every Kenyan accesses quality healthcare,” he explained.
Mvurya issued a stern warning to individuals encroaching on public land designated for schools and hospitals.
“Stay away from school land. These institutions require adequate space for expansion. Authorities in Kinango must ensure no encroachment occurs in public institutions,” he warned.
He also cautioned against politicising public schools, urging teachers to maintain professionalism.
“Schools must not be turned into political platforms. Any political differences should be addressed outside school environments. Let schools remain spaces for learning and collaboration with government,” he said.
During the ceremony, Mvurya delivered a KSh 3 million donation from President Ruto to the school. He also personally contributed KSh 500,000 and donated six sets of sports jerseys and six footballs to support sports development and nurture talent.
Kinango Boys High School principal, Rodgers Mwafungo Siasa
School principal Rodgers Mwafungo Siasa traced the institution’s journey since its establishment in 1969, noting that it had historically struggled academically.
“In 2020, only four students joined university. But over the past four years, we have witnessed remarkable progress,” he said.
He outlined the upward trend:
- 2022: 183 candidates, 52 joined university
- 2023: 219 candidates, 62 joined university
- 2024: 242 candidates, 115 joined university
- 2025: 265 candidates, 229 joined university
Siasa attributed the success to strong collaboration between students, teachers, and parents.
“This unity gives us confidence that we will perform even better this year,” he added.
The school ranked first in Kinango Constituency, third in Kwale County, seventh in the Coast region, and 134th nationally, achieving a mean score of 7.5.
Governor Achani echoed the importance of collaboration in achieving academic success.
“When a school performs well, it reflects strong cooperation between parents, teachers, and students. Without that unity, success is impossible,” she said.
She noted that Kinango Boys’ performance has elevated Kwale County’s academic profile, traditionally dominated by schools such as Kwale High School and Matuga Girls.
“This achievement places Kinango Boys firmly on the national map,” she added.
Achani reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to education, emphasising equitable bursary distribution to ensure no child is left behind.
“Education is the foundation of life and the greatest inheritance a parent can give. We will continue investing to raise standards across the county,” she said.
Kwale County governor, Fatuma Achani
Kassim Tandaza noted that top-tier national schools have historically been concentrated in specific areas, calling for expansion across other constituencies.
“Kinango Boys has earned its status through consistent performance over four years. This is a proud achievement for Kwale residents,” he said.
Gonzi Rai also lauded the school’s remarkable turnaround, describing it as a model of what sustained investment in education and community support can achieve.
He reaffirmed his office’s commitment to strengthening academic excellence through continued bursary allocations and infrastructure development, noting that education remains central to transforming livelihoods in the constituency.
Rai further challenged students to remain focused and disciplined, urging them to take full advantage of the improved learning environment and growing opportunities.
He emphasised that Kinango Constituency will continue prioritising education to ensure more schools rise to national standards, adding that the success of Kinango Boys should inspire other institutions across the region to pursue excellence.
Leaders collectively urged students to maintain discipline, describing it as the cornerstone of academic excellence and key to achieving the ambitious mean score target of 10.5.
