- The school’s Chief Principal is constantly equipping the institution to further reclaim its glory of topping the national examinations and becoming Kenya One.
- In 2022 KCSE, all students from the school qualified for direct university entry.
- All the students who scored an A in 2022 national examinations were awarded during the celebration.
I request for holistic support because, indeed, that is all we need—supporting all our academic programs
Albert Ombiro, Chief Principal.
As the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations draw nigh, schools are setting their ducks in a row, ensuring every mind and detail harmonizes with their target mean.
On May 26, 2023, Cardinal Otunga High School Mosocho, now fondly known as “Kenya Two”, after emerging second nationally in KCSE 2022, held a Thanksgiving ceremony at the school’s grounds in Mosocho, Kisii County.
The event was a time of thanking God for gracing them to shine in last year’s examinations, and the parents and stakeholders for their support.
Last year’s KCSE top students were also rewarded, while giving quality nuggets to the current class, which is burning the midnight oil ahead of the examinations.
Remember, the school had a mean score of 10.76 in last year’s examination, which was set by the Pacesetters (form four class of 2022), and is poised to excel even better.
All students qualified for direct university entry.
Cementing target mean
This event rubberstamped the unveiling of the school’s target mean for KCSE 2023 on May 12, 2023, which saw them raise the bar to a target mean of 11.00+ for the 432 Conquerors (2023 form four students) being equipped for the conquest.
Radiating the fame Cardinal Otunga High School Mosocho has already earned through its exceptional results, the occasion was attended by:
Kisii County government leadership, led by Senator Richard Onyonka, who also represented Ezekiel Machogu, Cabinet Secretary for Education and the Chief Guest;
Daisy Nyongesa, Former nominated Senator Kakamega County; Anthony Kibagendi, area Member of Parliament Kitutu Chache South constituency; Joseph Mairura, Bishop, Kisii Diocese;
Regional Education Office leadership, led by Ebbie Kegode, Assistant Director (Quality Assurance & Standards) Nyanza Region; County Education Board (CEB), led by Prof. Henry Onderi, CEB Chairperson;
Francis Kooli, Police Commander, Bungoma County; Elizabeth Atemi, Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Kitutu Central Sub-County; Principals from other schools from within and outside Kisii County; the school alumni; parents and students, among other invited guests.
Thanking God
In a mass led by Bishop Mairura, he reminded the congregation that to give thanks is a noble act, a recognition of the wisdom and humility bestowed upon humans by the Creator.
He highlighted the need to remain in sync with spiritual requirements, with submission to God in all endeavors.
“God calls us to be in fellowship with Him in everything that we do,” he implored.
Turning to the young students, he challenged them to work hard until they succeed, reminding them to trust God throughout the process.
Beyond the church’s leadership, which was termed vital and evidently productive by different speakers, the institution has also been under the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Robert Wafula, a Life Coach and Motivational Speaker.
Educating the heart
In his speech to the congregation, Dr. Wafula reminded everyone that by putting their minds, efforts, and focus together, they can position the school to achieve its target results.
He further underscored how paramount education is to not only the children but also to the future of the entire society.
“There is no better thing than giving them education, and even educating their heart, for them to serve communities with empathy,” he said.
Dr. Wafula appreciated and called for further support from all stakeholders, reminding them, “We are celebrating on one hand while understanding and preparing for the monumental task yonder.”
Cardinal Otunga High has been under the firm stewardship of Chief Principal Albert Ombiro since early this year.
He is constantly equipping the institution to further reclaim its glory of topping the national examinations and becoming Kenya One.
He enjoys the support of David Mayaka, Deputy Principal Administration, and Gerald Ayiera, Deputy Principal Academics.
Ready for success
In his speech, he credited the excellent results to the support and belief accorded to the school by the sponsor (Catholic Church), the Board of Management (BoM), parents, the school teaching and support staff, and the hardworking students.
Expressing his joy for past success and demonstrating confidence in achieving the target mean, he assured the audience that the Conquerors are prepared to defend their excellence and even go higher.
“I request for holistic support because, indeed, that is all we need—supporting all our academic programs,” he said.
Population, infrastructure
The school has over 2500 students currently, distributed in 39 streams, and has 20 dormitories to accommodate them.
They have 75 teachers employed by the Teachers Service Commission and 30 BoM teachers.
For ease of operation and seamless, timely academic assistance to the students, the school houses a whopping 40 teachers.
Cardinal Otunga High’s excellence may hide its other side of the coin, and it’s worth noting that, as an institution, it has also been facing several impediments.
Not without challenges
“Due to the increasing number of learners in our school, there is dire need for us to enhance our infrastructure. There is need for expansion of the dining hall, and expansion and repair of the laboratories,” Mr. Ombiro noted.
He also reminded the congregation that the school has a stalled main hall building that requires completion, calling upon the Education Ministry to consider supporting them for completion.
The classes and teachers’ quarters also need renovation, just the same way “…we need a wall for security, especially in the front area of the school,” said the principal.
Remember the school opened its doors in 1961 under the name St. James Secondary School, then located at Nyabururu Catholic Mission.
Over time, it has grown from a handful of students, weathered the challenges of time, excelled, made history, and qualified myriad students for campus, and now deserves renovation, expansion and improvement.
To keep the famous school on top of the curve, Mr. Ombiro called upon all stakeholders to join him and play their part in catapulting Cardinal Otunga High School to the success it deserves.
Word from deputies
Mr. Mayaka confirmed that the students are entirely disciplined and supportive.
He urged all students to stay disciplined: “Discipline builds up a good character and positive attitude in students—a crucial component in academic excellence.”
Drumming for his docket, Mr. Ayiera revealed, “…early completion of the syllabus, numerous tests and exams, constant consultation with teachers, BoM support and the learners’ zeal enabled us surpass our academic target.”
Prof. Onderi wished them well, indicating that the school reclaimed its glory.
“We are waiting for your results and look forward to celebrating you next year,” he challenged the 2023 Class.
The BoM Chairperson, Rev. Fr. Rogena Dennis, also joined his colleagues in thanking God for last year’s victory and showed confidence in outshining all other competitors in the forthcoming national examinations.
Much to be done
Acknowledging that much needs to be done for continued success, he noted that as BoM, “We are committed to developing programs and initiatives that will help our students excel in their studies and prepare them for the challenges of the future.
This includes additional support to struggling students, providing mentorship and spiritual guidance, and developing partnerships with local businesses and universities to provide practical experience and further educational opportunities.”
On her part, Magdalene Gesare, Head of Quality Assurance and Standards Office (QASO), and the Class Coordinator of the 2022 Class (Pacesetters), acknowledged their resilience, discipline, and hard work, which was their genius stroke for the success they are now celebrating.
“Walk with pride, for the future is in your hands. Go out there and conquer the world,” she enthused the alumni representing the 2022 group, spurring up the 2023 class to take up the baton and run with focus and determination.
Parents’ efforts
The parents were well-represented by their PA Chairperson, Keng’ara Bw’omayo, who highlighted how they support the school.
“The parents are in the progress of putting up a modern multi-purpose hall for our students and a perimeter wall for the security of our dear sons,” he explained.
He further appreciated the old boys for their continued support financially and for being the school’s ambassadors.
“The parents association is willing, ready and available to the teachers and students to realize this year’s academic target,” the PA Chairperson assured.
In her remarks, Prof. Margaret Barasa, Chair of the Education Committee in the BoM, indicated that while this famed success may be a surprise to many, “We planned and worked for it day and night.”
She urged the Conquerors to conquer the 2023 KCSE examinations by working hard and staying focused.
Principals from around and outside Kisii County had also joined their colleague principal to celebrate his school’s success while also benchmarking.
Speaking on behalf of the over 20 principals present, Joyce Orioki, Principal Nyabururu Girls High School, congratulated “Kenya Two” for its stellar results, wishing them good luck as they soar higher to break the glass ceiling.
On national map
On the political side of the event, Anthony Kibagendi, area MP Kitutu Chache South constituency, appreciated that the results placed the constituency on a national map.
Kisii County Senator, Richard Onyonka, who also represented CS Machogu, thanked the parents, teachers, and all other stakeholders for their unwavering support to the school.
Kibagendi also led in the awarding of the 28 KCSE 2022 top students who scored grade A (plain), with each student receiving a brand new laptop.
RELATED STORY: Lofty hopes as Cardinal Otunga High School launches 2023 KCSE target mean
The target of 11.00 by Cardinal Otunga High School Mosocho remains valid and achievable, and as Scholar Media Africa, we wish them all good fortunes.
