More than a teacher, Nyangacha’s legacy of Educational Excellence

Clement Nyangacha, Chief Principal Kebirigo Boys High School receiving a trophy from his student, that he won in the Spoken Word Category during the recent Nyamira County Drama and Film Festivals. PHOTO/Clement Nyangacha.
  • He has championed opportunities for girls’ education and nurtured diverse student talents.
  • His leadership roles have demonstrably improved schools’ performance and student success.
  • Nyangacha’s dedication has left a lasting positive impact on rural education.

For decades, Clement Nyangacha has been a stalwart figure in education, serving as a source of inspiration and guidance to many.

With a career spanning over three decades, Nyangacha has tirelessly worked to pave the way for his students, enabling them to seize opportunities that would otherwise remain obscured.

Nyangacha’s journey in education began as a teacher at Mochengo PAG Secondary School.

It was in the 20th century that he immersed himself in the art of teaching, diligently refining his skills while simultaneously assuming various leadership roles within the school community.

“It is a journey that began in 1998 at Mochengo PAG School, where I first secured a job with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and honed my craft as an educator and leader. Every step of my path has been imbued with purpose and passion,” says Nyangacha.

Beyond the confines of a traditional educator, Nyangacha became an integral part of the school’s tapestry, weaving threads of mentorship and empowerment into its very fabric.

Throughout his tenure, Nyangacha’s unwavering commitment to his students has remained steadfast, serving not only as an instructor but also as a beacon of hope, guiding them through the labyrinth of opportunities that lie ahead.

By instilling within them a sense of purpose and ambition, he has empowered generations of learners to harness their potential for the betterment of themselves and their communities.

Nyangacha’s impact extends far beyond the walls of the classroom. His dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders has left an indelible mark on the educational landscape, fostering a legacy of excellence and service.

As he continues to illuminate the path to success, he remains a shining example of the transformative power of education.

His quest for a transformed society is a testament to the transformative power of education in rural communities.

It is in Mochengo PAG Secondary School, where he served as the school’s Christian Union (CU) patron, nurtured budding talents in drama, and coached both boys’ and girls’ football teams to victory.

His influence extended beyond the realm of sports and other extracurricular activities, as he also sat on the disciplinary committee, chaired admissions, and assumed the role of overall deputy games master.

Expanding horizons

His journey is one defined by resilience and determination. From the humble beginnings of Mochengo PAG Secondary School to his current role as the Chief Principal of Kebirigo Boys High School, he has traversed a path marked by highs and lows.

“From February 2004 to December 2010, I had my first experience as an administrator. Leadership, as people would say, comes with a range of challenges. I was privileged to join Isena Mission Girls High School, where, for six years, both discipline and academic performance improved a great deal.

For close to six years, I interacted with reality as the school’s enrollment grew from 30 girls to 251 girls,” he adds.

However, in 2011, he was transferred to Rigena PAG Mixed Secondary School after securing a legacy for Isena Mission Girls High School, having put it on the path of academic excellence and promising co-curricular engagements.

For the no-nonsense Principal, the journey from a young teacher to a seasoned Principal is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the transformative power of education, and the unwavering spirit of those who dare to dream big.

He is lucky to be associated with excellence in a career spanning over 30 years. When he joined Rigena PAG Mixed High School in January 2011, he trained his eyes on curricular and co-curricular programs.

Kebirigo Boys High School students. PHOTO/Clement Nyangacha.

The celebrated administrator set a clear academic path for the institution, leaving behind a record of 6.7 mean score at the time he left the school for Sameta High School.

“Accountability, honesty, and hard work have been the hallmarks of my professional engagement ever since. At Rigena PAG Mixed Secondary School, I had the opportunity to interact with students from diverse backgrounds. The diverse social set-up prepared me for more challenges in administration and management,” he submits.

The visionary leadership

Under his stewardship, Kebirigo Boys High School continues to flourish, not only academically but as a hub of inspiration and aspiration. His steadfast commitment to students radiates through every corner of the institution, shaping future leaders with care and dedication.

“When I joined Kebirigo Boys High School in 2023, there were 1,634 students. Today, there are 2,005 students, and this gives me the strength to sojourn on. My leadership has always made progress in enrolment, academic performance, staffing, and infrastructure,” he says.

With the launch of a 5-year strategic plan on March 8, 2024, Mr. Nyangacha expects to drive the school to a higher level.

When he joined Kebirigo Boys High School early last year, he launched an ambitious slogan for the Form 4 class 2023, Operation Grade A Lazima (OGAL).

Setting ambitious goals

“Kebirigo Boys High School was started in the late 1960s, and ever since, it has never registered an A in national examinations. With renewed commitment, I reminded our 2023 candidates of the possibility of scoring A’s in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) through the slogan OGAL,” the principal says with confidence.

Boaz Maina, a 2022 candidate at Ugenya High School accompanied by his parents, grandmother and two aunts, paid Chief Principal Nyangacha (left) a visit at his home to appreciate his former Principal following his academic success. PHOTO/Clement Nyangacha.

The school has undergone a remarkable transformation under his leadership, and he has revitalized both academic and extracurricular activities.

During the March 8 Strategic Plan Launch, he unveiled a comprehensive history of the institution, introduced a new academic target, and proudly revealed the school’s official flag.

The principal expressed confidence that the introduction of the school flag would foster a stronger sense of pride and belonging among the students.

“By aligning themselves with the school’s emblem, students will engage in its programs and initiatives, thus nurturing a deeper connection to their academic environment,” he says.

Additionally, he emphasized the importance of documenting the school’s history. He highlighted how this initiative would enable students to recognize and appreciate the contributions of their mentors, thereby influencing their career choices positively.

Revitalizing academic excellence

At the event, attended by various stakeholders, Mr. Nyangacha introduced a new slogan, “Operation Redeem English (ORE),” alongside the existing Form 4 motto, ‘OGAL.’ This decision was prompted by the previous year’s disappointing performance in English, signaling a proactive approach to address academic challenges head-on.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the school’s journey towards academic excellence and student empowerment.

With these initiatives in place, the school community is poised to embrace a renewed spirit of enthusiasm and dedication toward achieving their educational goals.

“In the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results, English emerged as the second-lowest subject in the ranking at Kebirigo Boys High School, with a mean score of 6.4, falling short of the school’s target mean score of 9.5. This outcome came as a shock to the school community, prompting me to take decisive action,” Nyangacha adds.

Reflecting on his educational philosophy, the Principal stresses the importance of fostering an environment where students are encouraged to explore their interests and capabilities fully. This approach aligns with his belief in the holistic development of students, ensuring they are equipped with academic skills and the confidence to pursue their passions.

As Kebirigo Boys High School rallies behind “Operation Redeem English (ORE),” the entire school community is mobilized to work towards improving English proficiency and achieving academic excellence.

With Mr. Nyangacha’s visionary leadership, there is optimism for a positive turnaround in English performance this year and beyond and continued success in all aspects of student development.

At Ugenya High School, he actively encouraged students to participate in a variety of sports such as basketball, football, and handball, believing that engagement in co-curricular activities fosters a sense of discipline and determination that translates into academic success.

According to Mr. Nyangacha, involvement in co-curricular activities goes beyond mere recreation; it provides students with invaluable exposure and opportunities for self-improvement.

“Through interactions with students from other schools during competitions, students develop self-esteem and confidence, contributing to their overall growth and development,” Nyangacha admits.

Nyangacha’s commitment to serving the needy knows no bounds. He has made it his mission to provide solace to the elderly. His empathetic ear listens intently to their struggles, offering support and comfort whenever needed. For him, it’s not just about fulfilling a basic necessity; it’s about restoring dignity and respect to those often overlooked by society.

His benevolence extends far beyond mere sustenance. Recognizing the spiritual needs of the community, he took charge of spearheading the fundraising efforts for the construction of the New Maji Mazuri PAG Church.

Ongoing constructions at the New Maji Mazuri PAG Church. PHOTO/Courtesy.

Nyangacha rallied the community together, inspiring generosity and unity in pursuit of a common goal. Through his leadership and the collective efforts of the community, the church stands tall today as a symbol of faith and resilience.

But his work doesn’t end there. His compassion knows no bounds, as he actively supports orphans in the village, providing them with not only material aid but also emotional support and guidance.

Whether it’s ensuring they have access to education or simply being a mentor figure in their lives, his impact on these young souls is immeasurable. In a world often plagued by indifference, he stands as a testament to the power of empathy and kindness.

Through his selfless actions, he continues to uplift the community’s spirit, proving that a single individual can indeed make a profound difference in the lives of many. His dedication to student development is rooted in his educational background.

YOU MAY ALSO READ: Why Nyang’acha is at ease with delocalization, four years on

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in English and English Literature from Kenyatta University, he is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Management and Administration, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and improvement in his role as an educational leader.

Mr. Nyangacha, Principal Kebirigo Boys High School. PHOTO/Clement Nyangacha.
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Mr. Misori holds a Bachelor's degree in Education Arts, English and English literature from Mount Kenya University. He is the author of the book ''Village Under Siege'', a book reviewer, and a science journalist passionate about environment, health, climate change, education and agriculture. His email address is misori.village@gmail.com

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