- The school began as a community initiative, with a strong hope to uplift local learners. However, soon after its inception, it was dragged into the mire of clannism.
- Mr. Daniel Ondabu, BOM Chairperson, boldly sought to rescue the school from collapse by requesting a non-local principal to overcome clannism. His appeal to TSC’s Kisii County Director, Mr. Nimrod Kimathi, during the delocalization drive led to the appointment of Madam Alice Adhiambo Olando, newly promoted from St. Pauline Malunga Secondary in Awendo.
- With a strong academic trajectory, solid leadership, and deep community roots, Nyamagesa DEB Mixed Secondary is no longer the forgotten school of Masaba South. It is a beacon of excellence, an institution of transformation, and a model for others to follow.
Nestled just 100 meters off the Keroka–Masimba road and about five kilometers from Keroka town in the heart of Masaba South Sub-county, Kisii County, lies a school that has defied odds, conquered cultural barriers, and become a model of transformation: Nyamagesa DEB Mixed Secondary School. What started as a humble community school plagued by deep-rooted clannism and poor performance is now a regional academic giant, producing university-bound students and attracting learners from far and wide.
The Humble Origins
Nyamagesa DEB was founded in the year 2000, hosted by the local primary school, to serve the educational needs of the surrounding rural community. The school began as a community initiative, with a strong hope to uplift local learners. However, soon after its inception, it was dragged into the mire of clannism. Leadership was marred by local rivalries and biases, which severely hampered growth and academic output.
In October 2017, tragedy struck. The then-principal, Edward Keragia, passed away, leaving the institution without a head. For months, the school stood in limbo, struggling with dwindling student numbers and no clear direction. Enrollment dropped to below 50 students, and the community began to lose hope.
A Bold Intervention
It took the vision and courage of Mr. Daniel Ondabu, the Board of Management (BOM) Chairperson, to steer the school away from the brink of collapse. Recognizing that clan affiliations were tearing the school apart, he approached the Kisii County Director of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Mr. Nimrod Kimathi, during the national delocalization process.
Mr. Ondabu requested a principal from outside the Gusii community, someone fresh, committed, and untainted by local affiliations. His wish was granted with the appointment of Madam Alice Adhiambo Olando, who had just been promoted from her position as Deputy Principal at St. Pauline Malunga Secondary School in Awendo.
A New Dawn
Ms. Olando reported in December 2017. What she found was sobering: a school with only 35 students, a performance mean score of 2.1 in KCSE, and morale at rock bottom. Yet she saw potential. With strategic brilliance and a heart for service, she embarked on a campaign to win the hearts of the community.
“Something came to my mind: to get students and improve our poor performance, I had to forge a relationship with the stakeholders,” she recalls.
She visited churches, funerals, and public barazas to mobilize the community. She extended support to eight surrounding primary schools, offering KCPE candidates stationery and meals during exams. This gesture, rooted in empathy and outreach, built bridges and earned her the community’s trust.
Steady Rise in Performance
From a mean score of 2.381 in 2017, Nyamagesa has made a spectacular climb to 7.0595 in 2024. Out of 84 KCSE candidates in 2024, 54 qualified for university. Subject performance has also seen tremendous gains, with subjects like History, Geography, and Agriculture consistently scoring above a mean of 9.0.
KCSE Performance Progress:
- 2017: 2.381 (D-)
- 2018: 2.872 (D)
- 2019: 3.172 (D)
- 2020: 5.161 (C-)
- 2021: 6.125 (C)
- 2022: 6.603 (C+)
- 2023: 6.291 (C)
- 2024: 7.0595 (C+)
Voices from Leadership
Mr. Daniel Ondabu, BOM Chair, praises the synergy with Madam Alice: “We gave her full mandate, and she never disappointed. We sought CDF and Ministry of Education support, which resulted in major infrastructure improvements.”
Deputy Principal (Academic), Mr. Joseph Rioba, credits the teamwork: “We maintain high standards of discipline, and that has directly contributed to our academic excellence.”
Deputy Principal (Discipline), Mr. Isaac Subo, emphasizes character: “Good grades are built on sacrifice, integrity, and self-discipline. We owe our success to this.”
Director of Studies, Mr. Wilfred Nyanumba, adds: “Our career guidance and individualized support have shaped students into confident learners. We have been posting students to universities since 2019.”
Infrastructure and Expansion
With growing student numbers, the school faced a pressing need for infrastructure. Hon. Ezekiel Machogu, the former MP and Cabinet Secretary for Education, provided significant support:
- Constructed a two-storey boys’ dormitory
- Built a dining hall and kitchen
- Funded renovation and tiling of classrooms
- Supported additional classroom construction
These efforts complemented the BOM’s initiatives, which included acquiring the school’s elusive title deed and expanding it to a three-stream boarding school.
Recognition and Leadership Awards
Ms. Olando’s stellar leadership has not gone unnoticed. Recognized by area MP Dr. Daniel Manduku as the most hardworking principal in the sub-county, she has also received the Transformational Leadership Award and a prestigious Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa).
“I mother my students. I mentor girls to know their worth. I’m a staunch advocate for the girl-child,” she affirms.
CBC Readiness
As the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is rolled out, Nyamagesa DEB is already prepared for Grade 10. The school is fully equipped to offer two pathways:
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- Social Sciences
“We are ready. Our facilities and staffing are aligned with CBC requirements,” says (Dr) Olando.
Student Leadership and Life
The vibrant Student Council, led by President Collins Ondieki and Vice President Akinyi Violet, ensures students have a voice in school affairs. Other roles include Games Captains, Dormitory Reps, Class Governors, and Kitchen Prefects, fostering responsibility and participation.
The Future is Bright
With a strong academic trajectory, solid leadership, and deep community roots, Nyamagesa DEB Mixed Secondary is no longer the forgotten school of Masaba South. It is a beacon of excellence, an institution of transformation, and a model for others to follow.
“Nyamagesa is our Alliance. We are determined to pierce the sky,” says (Dr) Alice Olando, eyes gleaming with hope.
Quick Facts
- Location: Masaba South, Kisii County
- Founded: 2000
- Principal: Dr. Alice Olando
- 2024 Enrollment: 700+ students
- Streams: 3 (Day and Boarding)
- CBC Pathways Offered: STEM, Social Sciences
- 2024 KCSE Mean Score: 7.0595 (C+)
- University Admissions (2024): 54 students
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