Board of Management (BOM) Chairman, Senator Patrick Mbau Malika (left) awards one of the top 2024 KCSE student at St. Paul's Kyamuthei Secondary. Photo Andrew Mbuva 
By Andrew Mbuva
St. Paul’s Kyamuthei Secondary School on Tuesday marked a significant academic milestone during its annual Prize Giving and Education Day, celebrating an improved mean score of 5.75 in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) — up from 5.56 in 2023.
The event, held at the school grounds in Kaiti Sub-county, Makueni, brought together students, parents, teachers, education stakeholders, and local leaders who lauded the steady academic growth and called for renewed commitment to excellence and character development.
In his keynote address, the Chief Guest, Charles Mutinda who is the Chief Officer Office of the Governor Machakos County, challenged class teachers to take full responsibility for student performance, terming them as the "OCS" of their classrooms.
“The power to change a student’s performance lies with you. You must interact closely with learners and adopt what I call the 'Defense Before Attack' approach—first ensure students retain or improve the grades they joined with before demanding more,” he said.
Mutinda also urged parents to be positive role models for their children.
“You can’t expect your child to dress decently when you walk into school in a miniskirt. Fathers, too, must be present and involved in their children’s lives,” he added.
Board of Management (BOM) Chairman, Senator Patrick Mbau Malika, emphasized the role of integrity in all levels of school leadership and student life.
“Whether you’re the Principal, a parent, or a student, let integrity guide you. What matters most is working hard and being proud of the outcome, whatever the grade. We should stop pressuring students to the point that those who don’t attain top grades feel hopeless,” said the Senator.
Malika also addressed the societal imbalance between the empowered girl child and the increasingly neglected boy child.
“Boys, the world is changing. Work hard and bridge the gap. And don’t fear empowered girls—interact, make friends, and grow. But don’t fall into destructive behaviors that are becoming prevalent in society,” he cautioned.
The school’s Principal, Joseph Musaa, credited the school’s academic strides to a collective effort by staff, students, and parents. He emphasized that this year’s theme focuses on Academic Excellence and Character Formation.
“We want our students to not only excel academically but to be individuals of solid character. Education without good character is meaningless,” Musaa said.
He lauded parents for their consistent support and called on them to remain actively involved in their children's lives.
“Talk to your children. Know their friends and where they spend their time,” he said, adding that teachers must treat students like their own and guide them with love, especially when they falter.
The school is targeting a mean score of 7.0 in the upcoming KCSE exams.
During the ceremony, students, teachers, and parents who contributed to the school’s success were feted. The top two students tied at a B+ grade, while 30 others scored B plain. Out of the 169 candidates, 53 attained direct university entry qualifications.
