At least 1,000 students, teachers, chaplains, patrons and Christian fellowship associates from across Vihiga County gathered at Vihiga Boys High School for the annual Kenya Students Christian Fellowship (KSCF) County Convention aimed at nurturing moral values, sound leadership, mental wellness and academic integrity among learners.
The three-day convention was held under the theme, “Growing and Bearing Fruits,” with participants encouraged to pursue spiritual growth alongside academic excellence.
Speaking during the convention, KSCF Vihiga County Chairman Levi Adego said the main teaching focused on the need for students to grow spiritually and become productive members of society.
Adego explained that meaningful growth requires individuals to be firmly rooted in faith, develop strong character and bear positive fruits through their actions.
He observed that many young people today face confusion due to a lack of sound guidance and genuine role models, urging students to embrace authenticity rather than live fake lives.
The chairman said KSCF is a non-denominational, non-profit and apolitical organization whose mission is to bring every student to Christ while nurturing responsible and morally upright citizens.
He noted that through school rallies, county and national conventions, counselling sessions and Sunday fellowship programmes, the organization equips learners to become role models at home, in school, church and society.
On academic performance, Adego urged students to combine spiritual growth with hard work and shun examination malpractices, saying success achieved honestly provides a solid foundation for future prosperity.
He encouraged learners to remain steadfast in their integrity even when others engage in dishonest practices.
As schools close for the August holidays, Adego called on parents to spend quality time with their children and provide guidance.
He attributed many of the challenges affecting young people, including depression, substance abuse, runaway cases and suicide attempts, to poor communication between parents and their children.
“Children learn more from what parents do than from what they say,” he said, urging parents to become actively involved in their children’s lives.
Adego also cautioned students against allowing themselves to be used by politicians to perpetrate violence or engage in unethical activities during election periods.
He said spiritually and economically empowered youth are less susceptible to political manipulation and handouts.
KSCF Vihiga County leader and Kerongo Secondary School teacher Linda Shilesi said the convention addressed key social issues through Bible studies and peer group discussions.
She said topics covered included examination integrity, respect for parents, prevention of drug and substance abuse, mental health, conflict resolution, sexual purity, leadership and strengthening family values.
Shilesi expressed confidence that the more than 1,000 participants had acquired knowledge and skills that would enable them to become agents of positive change in their schools, homes and communities.
Brian Baraka Obama, a Form Three student at Vihiga Boys High School, said the convention had inspired him to become a better student, Christian and future leader.
He said the gathering also provided an opportunity for students from different schools to interact, learn from one another and strengthen their leadership and ministry skills.
Friends School Kaimosi Girls Head Girl and Christian Union Chief Usher Lucy Omwalo encouraged students across the country to join KSCF programmes.
She said the fellowship had positively influenced her spiritual and academic life by equipping her with skills in career planning, time management and servant leadership.
KSCF officials announced that regional and national youth camps will be held in December and April respectively and appealed to parents and teachers to support students’ participation in the upcoming KSCF Leadership Summit to be held at Moi Girls High School, Nairobi.
By Victor Zedy
