- Despite being ranked among counties with the highest teen pregnancy case and over age Std eight candidates, it posted exemplary results in the 2021 KCPE examination.
- Masimbani primary school head teacher John Kanga said they managed to do better because of proper strategies and strong relationships between staff and parents.
Image: SHABAN OMAR
Kwale county is slowly emerging as an education giant in the Coast region.
Despite being ranked among counties with the highest teen pregnancy cases and overage Standard 8 candidates, it posted exemplary results in the 2021 KCPE examination.
Kwale was listed among the four counties that had the highest entry of candidates who were above 19 years.
Turkana had a total of (2,755), Garissa (1,484), Kilifi (3,304), Kwale (1,940) and Mandera (386).
Two top schools from Kwale; Masimbani Primary School and Bethany Academy had a mean score of 395 and 389 respectively.
A total of 23,375 candidates sat for KCPE exam in Kwale.
At the far end of Samburu, another little-known school Modern Green Hills Academy had a mean score of 381.32.
Others are Kwale Methodist (373), Mekaela Likunda academy (362) and Karama academy from Msambweni (336).
County director of Education Martin Cheruiyot attributed the exemplary performance to an increased focus on quality education from all stakeholders in the region.
"The good performances are as a result of joint cooperation. Each one of us is taking their responsibilities effectively," he said.
He said parents have realised that education is the only way to fight poverty.
Cheruiyot said the Ministry of Education together with the security team have been engaging the stakeholders at the community level, educating them on the importance of education, teen pregnancies and early marriages.
Last year more than 9,000 teen pregnancies were reported in the region.
Cheruiyot also said the 100 per cent transition campaigns has helped in improving the students performance.
The officer said the campaigns have borne fruits compared to the past when most parents and children did not prioritise learning.
He said most families are now aware of the children's rights to education and are working hard to protect them.
Cheruiyot said the county bursaries and scholarship programmes have also boosted students' morale.
He said the majority of learners have greater ambitions and aspire to join universities for further studies.
"Unlike before, when we had no bursaries, at the moment students are motivated and are competing to seize the opportunities," he said.
Masimbani Primary School head teacher John Kanga said they managed to do better because of proper strategies and strong relationships between staff and parents.
He said they share the burden of responsibilities to raise and educate the pupils.
The school had over 20 candidates with more than 400 marks.
“The secret is to enhance the relationship between education stakeholders. We don't leave anyone behind," he said.
Bethany Academy had 14 students who sat the KCPE examination last year.
The school's managing director Young Lee said it through God's grace that the school emerged among the top.
"We feel great and thankful for being the best school in Kwale and the Coast. Our secret is God's provision and hard work. So, we praise the Lord and give Him all the glory," he said.
Mekaela head teacher Florence Munge said they enhanced discipline among students and that led to improved performances.
Karama Academy head teacher Isaac Makoha said they provide guidance and counselling programmes to bring the best out of every child.
Image: SHABAN OMAR