Exam success in Kisii private secondary schools overshadowed by funding challenges – proprietors

As discussion around national examination performance fades and admissions into Grade 10 continue in senior schools, proprietors of private secondary schools in Kisii County say their institutions’ strong academic results are often overshadowed by persistent funding challenges and lack of bursary support for needy students.

For instance, at Nyacheki Township Junior and Senior Secondary School in Bobasi, director Thomas Menge said the impressive results posted by private schools reflect the dedication and resilience of both learners and teachers, many of whom work under difficult conditions.

“Our candidates continue to perform well despite numerous challenges,” Menge said. “This success shows what is possible when learners remain committed and teachers stay focused on their mission, even with limited resources.”

Despite the remarkable performance, Menge noted that many students enrolled in private schools struggle to complete their education due to severe financial constraints.
He said a significant number of learners come from disadvantaged backgrounds and depend on well-wishers and benefactors to stay in school.

Nyacheki Township Junior and Senior Secondary School recorded a mean score of 8.6, outperforming established schools such as Kisii School, Kereri Girls and Cardinal Otunga High Schools.

A similar situation was highlighted by Joseph Kiage, director of Kiage Tumaini Secondary School in Kitutu Chache South.

Kiage said students in private secondary schools are often excluded from government bursary schemes despite demonstrating strong academic potential.

“Students studying in private secondary schools should also be considered for bursaries,” Kiage said.

“Without financial support, schools struggle to meet basic obligations such as purchasing learning materials and supporting co-curricular activities.”

He warned that inadequate funding and lack of bursary support continue to undermine the achievements of private institutions.

“The lack of adequate funding hangs over us like the Sword of Damocles,” Kiage said during a visit to the school.
“Some bright students are forced to miss classes or sit exams under stress, uncertain whether their school fees will be cleared.”

They both called on government agencies, well-wishers and the private sector to increase investment in education, particularly by expanding bursary schemes to include high-performing but needy students in private schools.

“If we can match academic effort with proper financial support, the results will be even better,” Menge said.

At Kiage Tumaini Boys High School , all the 47 candidates also secured university entry grades registering a mean score of 9.851, an improvement from 9.680 in the 2024 examinations.

There were three A- grades and 30 B+ grades overall.