- As of today, the school is officially registered as a nine-streamed extra-county institution, serving a population of 2,850 students—comprising 2,450 boarders and 400 day scholars.
- The current administration, under Dr. Zachariah Ondieki Mokua, is determined to elevate the school even further, building on this legacy with renewed vision and commitment.
- The institution not only mirrors the aspirations of its founders but also embodies the dynamic potential of education in rural Kenya.
Nestled in the quiet Bokayo Village, about five kilometers from the Konate–Kisii road, sits a powerhouse of academic and co-curricular brilliance—Gesiaga High School. A once modest institution born from communal and religious passion in 1968 has transformed into a formidable center of learning, mentorship, and ambition.
From humble beginnings as Gesiaga Mixed Harambee Secondary School, the institution was co-sponsored by the community and the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church. It began as a modest effort to bridge the gap in secondary education access in Nyamira County. The school’s first major milestone came in 1974 when the government posted the first Teachers Service Commission (TSC) teacher to head the institution. That moment set the wheels of transformation in motion.
From One Stream to Nine: A Journey of Steady Growth
By 2002, Gesiaga had grown to accommodate a full three streams from Form One to Four. As of today, the school is officially registered as a nine-streamed extra-county institution, serving a population of 2,850 students—comprising 2,450 boarders and 400 day scholars.
To sustain this large student body, the school boasts a teaching staff of 66 (44 TSC and 22 BOM-employed teachers) and 37 non-teaching support staff. With this strength, Gesiaga High School has become one of the leading institutions in Nyamira County and beyond.
Principals Who Left a Mark
Over the decades, the school’s growth has been underpinned by visionary leadership. The following principals have steered the school’s course:
- Thomas Kibewa (1979–1986)
- Tom Orutho (1987–1995)
- Divison Oburu (1995–2001)
- Samuel Mouko (2002–2007)
- Peter Gekera (2008–2009)
- Serah Mang’aa (2010–2020)
- Dr. Zachariah Ondieki Mokua (2020–Present)
Each of the principals who have served Gesiaga High School has left a lasting mark, contributing uniquely to its growth and development. The current administration, under Dr. Zachariah Ondieki Mokua, is determined to elevate the school even further, building on this legacy with renewed vision and commitment.
Meet the Scholar at the Helm
Dr. Mokua is not just a principal; he is a multi-discipline academic luminary. He holds:
- A PhD in Counselling Psychology from Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
- A PhD in History from Kisii University
- Is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Psychology at Kenyatta University
- An LLB in Law at Africa Nazarene University
And that’s not all, Dr. Mokua is a dairy and poultry farmer, a mentor, and a national resource person for school leadership. His rigorous personal schedule sees him study and do coursework mostly between 8 PM and 11 PM or on weekends, all without compromising his dedication to Gesiaga High School.
“Many people ask me where I get the time. I do most of my studying at night and use my per diems from principal meetings to pay for my courses,” Dr. Mokua says with a calm smile. “I don’t strain. I’m doing all these because of the passion I have for young people.”
Strong Governance: Board of Management Leadership
The school’s success is also credited to a series of committed Board of Management (BOM) chairpersons, including:
- Daniel Ombachi (1995–2003)
- Kepha Matena (2004–2007)
- Pr. Dr. Jim Nyamwanda (2010–2015)
- Steve Oboso (2016–2022)
- Pastor Enock Ooga (2022–Present)
Together with the principals, these leaders have laid a solid foundation for structural development, discipline, and policy execution.
Pastor Enock Ooga, who currently shepherds the flock at Nyakeore District, brings a faith-driven leadership style to the school’s Board of Management. As the BOM Chairperson, he plays a pivotal role in policy formulation, resource mobilization, and ensuring the school’s vision aligns with both academic excellence and moral grounding. His commitment to holistic development has helped foster a culture of integrity, discipline, and ambition among students and staff.
As a servant leader, I believe in nurturing both the mind and the spirit, because education without values is like a tree without roots.
Pastor Enock Ooga.
Academic Excellence on the Rise
In 2024, Gesiaga High School registered 656 KCSE candidates, with 565 students scoring C+ and above, qualifying them for direct university admission. This represented an impressive 85% transition rate, with a mean score of 7.603, up from 7.1081 in 2023. For 2025, the school is setting its sights higher.
“We have 886 candidates registered for KCSE 2025, and we are targeting a mean score of 8.3,” Dr. Mokua told Scholar Media Africa. “We are confident we’ll surpass this goal.”
Such confidence is not baseless, it is grounded in a deeply motivated teaching staff, consistent mentorship, structured revision programs, and community support.
New Curriculum, New Vision
As the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is rolled out across the country, Gesiaga High School is prepared to lead from the front. The school plans to offer two pathways:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
- Social Sciences
“We’re fully ready to receive Grade 10 students next year,” affirmed the chief principal, adding that necessary infrastructure and teaching expertise are already in place.
Co-Curricular Excellence
Gesiaga is not just about books. The school is a vibrant hub of extra-curricular activity. In 2024, its music team represented Kenya at the East African Music Festival in Uganda, performing a captivating Kisii-Kuria folk dance.
This year, the school’s chess team qualified for the national stage, and the drama team also earned a place at national competitions.
Challenges Amid Triumphs
Despite its growing profile, Gesiaga High School faces several challenges. Chief among them is the poor road network connecting the school to the main road. “We appeal to relevant authorities to urgently intervene,” said Dr. Mokua.
Another pressing issue is delayed fee payment, especially affecting orphans and students from disadvantaged backgrounds. These financial constraints limit the school’s ability to provide emotional and material support to all learners.
“Despite these challenges, we’re grateful to our dedicated staff, a supportive community, and stakeholders who continue to stand with us,” said the chief principal.
Mentorship, Motivation, and Ministry
Dr. Mokua’s commitment goes beyond administration. His philosophy is rooted in mentorship, resilience, and modeling excellence. Many students see in him a reflection of what is possible, regardless of one’s background or limitations.
“I have never wanted to leave the secondary school set-up because I feel called to shape young people from this stage. This is where I make the most impact.”
Looking Ahead
With increasing enrolment, infrastructure expansion, and consistent academic improvement, the future for Gesiaga High School is luminous. The institution not only mirrors the aspirations of its founders but also embodies the dynamic potential of education in rural Kenya.
Through a fusion of strong leadership, committed staff, academic rigor, and co-curricular vibrancy, Gesiaga stands tall as a beacon of excellence.
And under the stewardship of a scholar-principal whose energy seems boundless, the school is not just chasing targets, it’s rewriting the narrative of rural education, one student at a time.
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