By Violet Auma
Nestled in the heart of Kakamega County, Kakamega High School stands as a beacon of academic brilliance, sports excellence, and environmental sustainability.
The school has not only set benchmarks in national examinations but has also pioneered initiatives that blend education with environmental conservation. From harnessing solar energy to managing waste effectively, Kakamega High School has redefined what it means to be a holistic center of learning.
In the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, Kakamega High School emerged among the top-performing institutions in the county.
The school produced nearly half of all the Grade A students in Kakamega, a testament to the commitment and dedication of both students and teachers.
“Out of 19 A grades registered in Kakamega County, our school produced 8, with the top student scoring an A of 84 points, the only one in the county. Over 78% of our 600 Form Four students from last year have secured direct entry to public universities, with a school mean of 8.2, up from last year’s 7.7,” says Dr.Julius Bahati Mambili, the school’s principal.
This is the first time in a long time that the school has achieved such quality grades. Dr. Mambili attributes this success to collective effort from teachers, parents, and students.
“These results are the product of a process—a process driven by teamwork. While I may be the lead, the Board of Management, teachers, parents, and students with self-drive have played key roles in this success.”

The school’s administration attributes its achievements to structured mentorship programs, an innovative learning curriculum, and an emphasis on discipline and personal development.
“We have a culture of excellence, and our alumni play a crucial role in mentoring our learners. Currently, they are supporting 25 students by paying their school fees, ensuring they remain in school,” Dr. Mambili adds.
The 2,350 students at Kakamega High School benefit from a rich academic environment that includes modern laboratories, a well-stocked library, and advanced digital learning facilities.
The Kakamega High School Alumni Team is an integral part of the school’s continued success. Former students have come together to financially support needy students, ensuring they complete their education from Form 1 to Form 4 and even transition to university.
“Education is the greatest gift we can give back to the school that shaped us. We are committed to seeing bright but needy students complete their education,” says William Ojonyo, an alumnus of the school.
Beyond academic success, Kakamega High School has embraced green energy solutions, setting an example for other institutions nationwide.

80% of the school’s daily activities run on solar power, significantly reducing electricity costs from Ksh 500,000 to just Ksh 90,000 per month.
“When I took over, the school was paying electricity bills of Ksh 500,000 monthly, yet frequent power outages disrupted learning and essential activities. The delayed capitation to schools made payments difficult. We opted for solar energy to ensure uninterrupted learning while cutting costs. We now pay only Ksh 90,000 for electricity,” explains Dr. Mambili.
The solar power system is not only used for lighting classrooms and offices but also for boiling water and cooking. This has been particularly beneficial for students with medical conditions requiring warm water for bathing.
“We run 100% on solar during the day and 80% at night. Hot water is now accessible to students with health issues, greatly improving their well-being,” says Dr Mambili the Chief Principal
Since the initiative began in January last year, it has inspired other institutions to adopt similar systems.
“We have hosted benchmarking visits from schools such as Chepterit Girls, Butere Girls, and Kamusinga Boys. We are now pace-setters in green energy,” Dr. Mambili says with a smile and a sense of pride.
Walking through the school, one is immediately struck by its cleanliness. Unlike many institutions where litter is common, Kakamega High School has an effective waste management program that not only keeps the environment clean but also generates income.

Students collect and separate waste into designated bins. The school has partnered with a Nairobi-based recycling company, where paper waste is sold to raise funds for needy students.
“As a school, we have an internal welfare fund led by Dr. Simiyu. Instead of throwing away waste, we collect, store, and sell it,” Dr. Mambili says.
This initiative was inspired by a heartbreaking encounter.
“We started the charity program after one of our bright students dropped out. We assumed he had transferred to another school, only for me to find him living on the streets of Kakamega. That moment moved me, and together with the school management, we started the charity program,” says Dr. Dennis Simiyu, a Biology teacher and head of the initiative.
Last year alone, the school made Ksh 70,000 from paper waste sales, with all proceeds supporting underprivileged students.
This initiative has had a twofold impact, maintaining a clean learning environment and providing financial support to students in need, transforming waste to gain.
“I am happy to be part of this change. Our school is clean, and we don’t burn paper waste. Last year, eight of our KCSE candidates benefited from this charity program, and they all performed exceptionally well,” says Velson Alosi, the School President and leader of the Environmental Club.
In addition to waste recycling, the charity runs pig-rearing, sweet potato farming, and an in-school barbershop, all of which raise money for students’ fees.
The pig project even helps in waste management by feeding pigs with leftover food from the school kitchen.
Kakamega High School is not just clean but also green. The school has an extensive afforestation program, with students planting trees annually.
“We are now planning to start our own seedling project to ensure we plant enough trees to increase our forest cover,”Dr. Mambili notes.

Sitting on about 100 acres of land, the school has set aside sections for indigenous and exotic trees, creating a serene learning environment while combating climate change.
“We encourage every student to plant at least one tree before they leave school. The environment gives back what you put into it,” says Lenzyne Wawire, a teacher in charge of environmental matters.
The school has also reduced reliance on firewood, embracing solar cooking solutions.
The institution has also restored a local wetland, which had been drying up due to encroachment.
“This wetland is an essential part of our ecosystem. Restoring it not only benefits us but also the surrounding community,” says Wawire.
For sports enthusiasts, Kakamega High School is synonymous with football. The Green Commandos, the school’s football team, is the only secondary school team competing in Kenya’s nationwide football league.

The team has gained recognition for producing some of the country’s finest football talents who have gone on to play in national and international clubs.
“We believe in nurturing both academic and sporting excellence. That’s why we ensure our football team is well-resourced and supported to maintain its legacy,” says Ojonyo, an alumnus.
Through rigorous training, skilled coaching, and alumni sponsorship, the Green Commandos continue to shine on and off the pitch.
Kakamega High School’s holistic approach, blending academic excellence with environmental conservation and sports development, sets it apart as a model institution.
“We don’t just want students with good grades. We want to nurture champions in climate change, environmental conservation, and sports. The world needs well-rounded individuals,” Dr. Mambili emphasizes.
As kenya and the world grapple with environmental challenges, Kakamega High School is proof that educational institutions can lead the way in finding solutions. With innovative programs, the school continues to inspire and influence beyond the walls of its classrooms.
For students, teachers, and alumni, Kakamega High School is not just a learning institution, it is a community of excellence, sustainability, and transformation.