Nthangu Mixed Day and Boarding Secondary School Principal Munywoki Kavutai speaking to Soo TV in his Office. Photo by Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Nthangu Mixed Day and Boarding Secondary School in Makueni County is steadily reclaiming its academic footing after years of struggle, thanks to deliberate leadership, renewed discipline and strong stakeholder collaboration.
The school’s improved performance in the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations paints a picture of a learning institution on a steady path to recovery. This year, Nthangu posted a mean score of 4.46, up from 4.02 in 2024, which itself was an improvement from 2.732 in 2023—a clear indication of consistent progress over three consecutive years.
Out of the 63 candidates who sat for the examination, six students attained university entry grades, with the distribution recording two B (plain), one B–, and three C+. While modest, the results mark a significant milestone for a school that not long ago was grappling with declining enrolment and waning confidence from parents.
According to the Principal, Mr. Munywoki Kavutai, the turnaround did not happen by chance. When he took over the leadership of the school in 2024, Nthangu was facing turbulent times. Poor performance and internal challenges had prompted parents to transfer their children to other institutions, threatening the very survival of the school.
“One of the first things I focused on was creating unity of purpose,” Mr. Kavutai explains. “I brought together teachers, parents and the Board of Management so that we could all speak the same language and work towards the same goal.”
A renewed emphasis on conducive learning environments formed the backbone of the reforms. The principal made it a personal responsibility to engage students regularly, especially KCSE candidates, through consistent mentorship during Principal’s assemblies. These forums were used to motivate learners, track progress and instil a culture of belief and resilience.
To strengthen academic preparation, the school engaged external examiners to assess candidates and offer professional guidance, helping students familiarise themselves with national examination standards. This external input complemented classroom instruction and sharpened exam readiness.
Discipline, long recognised as a pillar of academic success, was also reinforced. Mr. Kavutai worked closely with the Deputy Principal, who heads the discipline docket, to ensure high standards of conduct among students—an approach that restored order and focus within the school.
Perhaps one of the most unique advantages in the school’s recovery journey is the principal’s deep institutional memory. Mr. Kavutai previously served at Nthangu as Deputy Principal for 12 years before his appointment as principal.
“Coming back as principal, I already understood the gaps that needed fixing,” he notes. “I had worked with most of the teachers before, so reconnecting and implementing change was much easier.”
The school has also benefited from renewed support from the local community and the Board of Management, whose cooperation has provided a stable foundation for reforms.
As Nthangu Secondary School continues on its upward trajectory, its story stands as a testament to how focused leadership, teamwork and discipline can revive an institution once written off.
With two consecutive years of improved KCSE performance, optimism is growing that the school’s best days are no longer behind it—but ahead.
