Pupils of Unoa Comprehensive School cast their vote during the School's Children Goverment election conducted on January 20, 2026. Photo by Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Unoa Comprehensive School today successfully conducted a landmark election to form its Children’s Government, giving students a practical lesson in democracy and leadership.
The exercise, spearheaded by Head Teacher Madam Winfred Sila, aimed to teach learners the importance of fair, free, and transparent elections. “The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that as our children grow, they understand that choosing leaders to represent others can be done through a free and corruption-free election,” said Madam Sila. “The pupils campaign peacefully, request votes respectfully, and follow procedures similar to those used in national elections.”
The school’s Children’s Government mirrors the structure of Kenya’s National Government, with departments such as Environment, Education, Water and Sanitation, and Disability Affairs, which specifically addresses the needs of learners living with disabilities.
Teacher Joseph Kiveku, who supervised the exercise, noted that this year’s election was the most organized to date. “In the past, we have conducted elections, but this time, with the involvement of journalists and the IEBC election committee overseeing the process, the exercise was exceptionally well-managed,” he said. “Students learned the importance of voting responsibly and the value of leadership in a democratic process.”
The process began with students submitting their names, followed by vetting, shortlisting, and finally, the election. The students conducted their campaigns with respect, adhering to democratic principles.
Daniel Kitonga, elected as President of the Children’s Government, expressed his gratitude to teachers and students for their support. “The election has been conducted fairly and freely. I promise to uphold the values, vision, and objectives of our school while promoting unity and respect among all learners,” he said.
Damaris Mutuku, elected to represent students with special needs, also thanked her peers for trusting her. “I will do my best to ensure that all learners with special needs are treated fairly and included in all school activities,” she said.
This initiative by Unoa Comprehensive School in Wote is a significant step in promoting civic education among young learners, preparing them to be responsible citizens in the future.
