Best Performing principals from day schools in Kiharu sponsored for international tour

Kiharu NG-CDF has sponsored 11 principals from local day secondary schools for a tour to Dubai as a way of motivating them for their dedication and outstanding performance in last year’s KCSE exams.

The principals were selected from day secondary schools in the five wards within Kiharu that had shown the most remarkable improvement in the 2024 KCSE results, a testament to their leadership and commitment to academic excellence.

The trip, which is part of the larger “Masomo Bora” programme spearheaded by the area MP, Ndindi Nyoro, was not merely a reward but also a benchmarking opportunity.

During their week-long stay in Dubai, the principals are expected to visit internationally celebrated learning institutions, interact with global educators, and get exposed to modern teaching methods and education systems.

One outstanding principal, Gabriel Kamau, of Mukangu Secondary School, was also awarded an additional benchmarking trip to Malaysia, making the initiative even more impactful.

Kamau emerged as the top principal in Wangu ward for two consecutive years after his school managed to take more than 50 learners to university.

For the beneficiaries, the trip was nothing short of a life-changing experience. Speaking shortly before their departure at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, several principals expressed their gratitude and shared the significance of the gesture.

Mr. Joseph Ngaruiya, the Principal, Vidhu Ramji secondary school, said the experience had rekindled his passion for education.

“This is the first time many of us are flying out of the country. It’s not just about the travel; it’s a reward for the hard work we put in, and it’s very motivating,” he stated.

Another principal, Ms. Consolata Wanjiru, Principal Maragi Secondary, added, “It feels amazing to be appreciated. For years, we’ve worked tirelessly without recognition. This gesture proves that our efforts are seen and valued.”

Richard Maina, the Masomo Bora programme coordinator, noted that the number of students from Kiharu joining universities has increased significantly, and dropout rates have declined.

“Our MP has once again made headlines with a bold and innovative gesture aimed at uplifting the education sector in his constituency.

“In an unrivaled move that has inspired both admiration and hope, the legislator sponsored a group of eleven public secondary school principals on a fully paid educational and motivational trip to Dubai,” remarked the coordinator.

He noted that the teachers who were once demotivated by poor working conditions and lack of appreciation now feel energized and supported by the programme.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of students from Kiharu joining universities, especially from day secondary schools, which is a clear indicator that the programme is working,” he added.

Maina continued, “Dropout rates have gone down, and what’s even more encouraging is the renewed energy among teachers. Many who once felt demoralized due to poor working conditions and lack of recognition now feel appreciated and supported. It’s a complete shift in attitude.”

The Masomo Bora programme has become a beacon of hope for both teachers and learners in Kiharu. Aside from the international trips, the initiative includes a range of reforms designed to enhance the learning environment.

These include reducing school fees in all-day secondary schools to just Sh.1,000 per term, construction of new classrooms, laboratories and libraries, provision of textbooks, and the introduction of a daily school feeding programme.

Maina observed that the success of the programme has sparked interest beyond Murang’a County, with other constituencies reportedly studying the Masomo Bora model as a potential template for national replication.