Oriwo Boys High School in Karachuonyo Constituency celebrated a major milestone after being elevated to Cluster One (C1) status, placing it among Kenya’s top secondary schools and affirming its growing reputation for academic excellence.

The celebrations, held on the school’s grounds on June 19, 2026, were graced by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who lauded the institution’s impressive academic performance, discipline and steady growth, while pledging government support to improve its infrastructure.

Speaking during the event, Omollo congratulated the school community for attaining the coveted status, saying the achievement reflected years of dedication by students, teachers, parents, alumni and education stakeholders.

“This school is no longer just a regional institution. It is now a national school that attracts students from across the country. We must therefore ensure that its infrastructure matches its new status,” he said.

Improvement of internal roads

The PS revealed that the government would address a request by the school’s administration to improve internal roads and walkways within the institution.

“We will ensure that we take care of the road as requested by the principal so that this school is not just a national school by name. As students move from their dormitories to classrooms, they should walk on proper cabro-paved paths befitting a national institution,” he said.

Impressive KCSE results

Omollo singled out the Class of 2025 for special praise after posting outstanding Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results.

He noted that out of 599 candidates who sat the examination, only two failed to attain direct university entry grades.

“Even those who did not qualify for university attained grades that allow them to continue with their education. That is a remarkable achievement that deserves celebration,” he said.

The PS challenged the current Form Four class, comprising more than 720 students, to emulate and surpass the achievements of their predecessors by ensuring all candidates qualify for university admission in 2026.

He urged learners to uphold discipline, responsibility and respect, emphasising that success in life was not solely determined by grades.

“Not all of you will score As or Bs, but if you are disciplined, respectful and focused, you will go places. Respect yourselves, your teachers, your parents and your community,” he told the students.

As a son of the region, Omollo pledged continued support for the institution and encouraged students who succeed in their careers to remember their roots and contribute to the development of their former school.

He also commended the school’s alumni for remaining actively involved in supporting infrastructure development and mentoring learners, noting that their contribution had played a significant role in the school’s rise.

Grassroots development and security

Beyond education, Omollo highlighted the government’s commitment to grassroots development and security, revealing that the national budget had for the first time provided financial support for village elders.

He said the allocation recognises the critical role village elders play in maintaining peace, resolving disputes and supporting development initiatives across the country.

“For the first time, village elders will receive a stipend to support the important work they do in matters of security and development across the Republic of Kenya,” he said.

The PS also praised the prevailing peace and stability in the region, noting that security remained a key pillar in fostering development and economic growth.

Addressing parents and students, Omollo underscored the importance of education, describing it as the greatest equaliser in society.

He cited the government’s investment in the sector, including the recruitment of over 100,000 teachers in less than three years, as evidence of President William Ruto’s commitment to improving learning outcomes.

He noted that the president had personally supported numerous schools across the country, including Oriwo Boys, where government interventions have included a school bus, an ICT hub equipped with computers and other development projects.

Oriwo Boys High School history

The school’s elevation to Cluster One status marks a significant chapter in its 58-year history.

Established as a community school, Oriwo Boys has evolved into one of Kenya’s leading learning institutions, drawing students from different parts of the country and consistently posting impressive academic results.

Education stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the new status would attract more resources, strengthen academic performance and position the school among the country’s top-performing national institutions.