Kakamega school with no library beats KCSE front-runners

Form two in a Chemistry practical lesson at Bukhakunga Secondary School in Malava Sub-County Kakamega County. PHOTO: CHRISPEN SECHERE.

KAKAMEGA: "Last year, our students did their chemistry practical examination using a 'koroboi'. It was total darkness for us at the time but total light when the results came out."

This is the tale of St Patrick Bukhakunga Secondary School located in the backwaters of Malaba sub-county, Kakamega County, where infrastructural challenges have not been an obstacle to impressive results.

Deputy Principal Patrick Wesonga says the school has continued to churn out top students despite lacking the most basic requirements expected of a secondary school.

"We do not have a library and we only have one laboratory, which serves a population of 530 and is used for all the sciences offered in the school," he says.

Despite this set back, the school's results in biology, chemistry and physics are among the best in the region with a mean score of 5.03 in biology and 5.05 in physics.

"Overall, the school emerged fifth and our strategy this year is to clinch the sub-county's top position," he said.

The school has only eight teachers hired by the Teachers Service Commission and 14 employed by the school's board of management.

Dean of Students Abel Mutembete tells us that these tutors apply very deliberate measures, which result in good grades.

"We finish our syllabus on time and turn our focus to revision. Students embrace teamwork and the spirit of positive competition among themselves, which helps them achieve their goals. We also reward those who perform well every Monday and Friday," he said.

The three-streamed school was started in 1976 as a Harambee school and had a population of 200. It served as a feeder for other schools in the region since it did not offer form 5 and 6 classes.

The school is also firm on discipline, which coupled with teamwork from the students and teachers has led to few indiscipline issues at the mixed school.

"We have core values that are embraced by all our students. We do not focus on what we do not have but are intentional in ensuring students realise good grades," Mr Mutembete says.