St. Joseph’s Boys High School Kitale (also known as JOBO) is one of Kenya’s premier boys’ national secondary schools, located in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County. Founded in 1952, it has built a long legacy of academic excellence and sports achievement. Affiliated with the Catholic Church, it continues to provide a well-rounded education to its students, making it one of the top choices for boys’ education in the region.
History of St. Joseph’s Boys High School Kitale
The origins of St. Joseph’s Boys High School Kitale can be traced back to 1952, when it was initially established as an intermediate primary school for boys. This school emerged after its separation from St. Brigid’s Primary School in Kiminini, which became a girls’ school. The initial site was operated under the sponsorship of the Catholic Church, specifically by Catholic brothers.
In 1965, the school introduced a secondary school wing, which was relocated in 1966 and renamed Trans-Nzoia Secondary School. However, this secondary section was later moved and became what is now St. Joseph’s Boys High School Kitale.
The school experienced significant milestones in 1993, when it was split into St. Joseph’s Boys and Girls Schools. Since then, it has consistently grown, expanding both in terms of academic performance and infrastructure.
In 2012, St. Joseph’s Boys was elevated to national school status and has continued to provide excellent education, making it one of the prominent institutions in Kitale.
KCSE Performance
St. Joseph’s Boys High School has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. In the 2024 KCSE, the school presented 576 candidates, and an impressive 95% of these candidates attained the minimum university entry grade of C+.
- Notable KCSE Performance:
- 9 students scored A (plain).
- 42 students achieved A-.
- 159 students scored B+.
- 193 students earned B.
- 30 students scored C+.
- 18 students scored C.
- 5 students attained C-.
- The lowest grade recorded was D, obtained by one student.
The mean score for the school in 2024 was B (8.39), a commendable achievement indicating consistent academic growth.
Sports Excellence
Apart from academic achievement, St. Joseph’s Boys High School is renowned for its excellence in sports. The school has clinched multiple titles in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) competitions, particularly in:
- Football: In 2025, the school won the KSSA National Football Championship after defeating Musingu High in the finals with a 1-0 victory.
- Basketball, Handball, 100-meter sprint, and Swimming: The school consistently performs at the county and regional levels.
- East African Games: St. Joseph’s Boys has represented Kenya in the East Africa School Games, cementing its reputation as a powerhouse in sports.
Notable alumni include Harambee Stars Captain Michael Olunga, who captained the school’s football team in 2012 and excelled in academics with an impressive A grade.
School Fees
In line with the Ministry of Education’s 2020 guidelines, national schools in Kenya were categorized into four clusters to standardize annual fees. St. Joseph’s Boys High School is classified under Cluster Four (IV), with the official annual fee cap set at Ksh 75,798.
- Fees in 2025:
- The official fee cap for Form 1, 2, 3, and 4 students is Ksh 75,798.
- However, the actual fees are slightly higher, and in 2025, Form 2, 3, and 4 students are charged Ksh 85,798, which includes Ksh 22,244 as government capitation.
Additional charges may apply for:
- School uniforms
- Co-curricular activities
- Motivational programs
- Institutional development projects
Location and Contacts
St. Joseph’s Boys High School Kitale is located in Kitale Town, Trans Nzoia County, along the Kitale-Webuye Highway, just before the Kitale Airstrip.
For any inquiries, complaints, or comments, the school’s administration can be reached via the following:
- Mobile Number: 0790 848 070
- Postal Address: P.O. Box 485-30200, Kitale
- Email Address: [email protected]
- KNEC Code: 23500014
Conclusion
St. Joseph’s Boys High School Kitale (JOBO) continues to be one of Kenya’s most renowned boys’ schools, providing academic excellence, sports achievements, and a holistic education for its students. With a rich history dating back to 1952, the school remains committed to fostering the growth of young men of integrity, who excel both inside and outside the classroom.
