In 2025, several schools in Nyanza and Western Kenya were promoted to the prestigious category of National Schools, also known as C1 schools, due to their stellar academic performance and overall excellence. This marks a significant achievement for these institutions, as National Schools are recognized for providing some of the best secondary education in Kenya. The Ministry of Education has elevated these schools, providing them with the status and resources required to enhance their educational offerings. Below is the full list of schools promoted to National Schools in Nyanza and Western Kenya in 2025.
Schools Promoted to National Schools in Western Kenya
- St. Mary’s Kibabii
- Moi Girls Kamusinga
- The Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls
- Musingu School
- St. Peter’s Mumias Boys
- Nambale Boys
- Keveye Girls
- Nyangori Boys
- St. Stephen Lwanya Girls
These schools in Western Kenya have consistently performed well in academics and extracurricular activities, making them deserving of the prestigious National School status. They are now expected to provide even better facilities and resources to cater to the increasing number of students in the region.
Schools Promoted to National Schools in Kisii County
In Kisii County, three schools have been elevated to National Schools status:
- Kebirigo Boys High School
- Kereri Girls High School
- Riokindo Boys High School
These three institutions have joined other notable National Schools in the region, such as Nyabururu Girls, Kisii School, Sironga Girls, and Nyambaria School, further enhancing the educational landscape in Gusiiland.
Other Schools Promoted to National Schools in Nyanza Region
Seventeen other senior schools in Nyanza have also been elevated to National School status, further expanding the region’s presence in the National Schools category. These schools are:
- Agoro Sare High School
- Orero High School
- Bloghs
- Ogande Girls
- Homabay High
- St. Joseph’s Rapogi
- Tarang’anya
- Kadika Girls
- St. Albert Ulunda
- Shinyolo Girls
- Nyakach Girls
- Sawagongo
- St. Mary’s Yala
- Ramba High
- St. Mary’s Lwak
- Kisumu School
- St. Francis Rang’ala
These schools have gained recognition for their performance in national exams and the quality of education they provide. The promotion of these schools reflects the Ministry of Education’s effort to improve access to quality education across Kenya, particularly in underserved regions.
Unanswered Questions and Concerns
While the list of schools promoted to National Schools is a significant achievement, there have been questions about the criteria used to select the schools. Notably, some high-performing schools like Cardinal Otunga Girls and Our Lady of Mercy Chebukaka Girls were left out of the promotion, despite their exceptional academic records.
It remains unclear why these institutions were not elevated to National School status, while other schools like Moi Girls Kamusinga made the cut. The Ministry of Education should provide more transparency on the selection process to ensure that all deserving schools are considered for promotion in future years.
The Need for Infrastructure Development
With the promotion of these schools to National School status, it is crucial for the Ministry of Education to inject sufficient funds to improve the infrastructure and facilities of these newly elevated schools. National Schools are expected to provide high-quality education, and this requires modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries, sports facilities, and other essential resources.
Ensuring that these schools have the resources they need will enable them to maintain high standards and attract even more students, ultimately raising the quality of education across Nyanza and Western Kenya.
Conclusion
The promotion of these schools to National School status in 2025 is a major milestone for education in Nyanza and Western Kenya. These schools will now be able to offer better educational opportunities and continue to provide quality learning experiences for students. The government must continue supporting these institutions by improving their infrastructure and ensuring they have the resources to live up to their new status.
