Overcrowding in households can place immense pressure on families, particularly where living space is limited. While food is a basic human need, adequate shelter is equally essential. This challenge has shaped the growth and development of Kimangeti Girls Secondary School, which continues to thrive despite resource constraints.

Kimangeti Girls Secondary School was established in 2013 after separating from Kimangeti Boys Secondary School, which had previously operated as a mixed institution. The school presented its first candidates for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2016. At the time, 51 candidates attained a mean score of 3.3. Since then, the school has recorded steady academic improvement, culminating in a third-place position in the most recent KCSE national examinations.

The school currently has 15 Teachers Service Commission (TSC) teachers and requires an additional 14 to adequately meet its staffing needs. Beyond academics, Kimangeti Girls has excelled in co-curricular activities, competing at the national level in athletics and drama. The girls’ football team has performed impressively at the regional level, emerging champions in several local organised tournaments.

Speaking during the commissioning of a newly constructed dormitory with a capacity of 500 students, the school principal, Dr Rose Oriko, expressed her appreciation to the area Member of Parliament for initiating the project. She noted that the dormitory will significantly ease congestion and improve students’ welfare. Dr Oriko appealed to the MP to support the school with a bus following it’s strong KCSE performance, saying the vehicle would enhance both academic and co-curricular activities.

She further thanked the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), through the MP’s sponsorship, for supporting the construction of classrooms and dormitories, as well as assisting students through bursaries.

“As a school, we are grateful for these infrastructure milestones. The new dormitory will serve us well, and we are committed to topping the national examinations when the next results are released,” said Dr Oriko.

Malava Sub-County Education Officer Roselyn Chisumi encouraged the 150 candidates preparing for national examinations to work hard and strive for excellence. She also urged parents to pay school fees on time to ensure girls remain in school, noting that girls are particularly vulnerable when left idle within the community.

During the commissioning ceremony, area MP David Ndakwa pledged to involve local stakeholders in equipping the new dormitory, which still requires beds and mattresses. He said he would collaborate with Dr Elisha Nyamu, principal of Shamberere National Polytechnic, to supply 500 beds, citing the institution’s capacity and commitment to supporting education across the region.

The MP commended the strong relationship between the school administration, the board of management, and the local community, attributing the school’s consistent growth and improved performance to this cooperation. He urged residents to value education, reminding them that it remains the greatest equalizer in society.

Chemuche MCA Geoffrey Sikolia also praised the school for its steady academic performance, noting that it ranked third in Malava Sub-County with a mean score of 7.2. He pledged continued support and encouraged parents to apply for bursaries to ensure girls remain in school.