Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Catholic dioceses of Nairobi has challenged learners to uphold discipline, integrity and hard work, saying lasting academic success must be founded on strong moral values and responsible leadership
The archbishop made the remarks when he presided over the annual Prize Giving Day at St. John Kanunga Senior School, in Kiambu County on Wednesday, an event that celebrated outstanding academic and co-curricular achievement under the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Greatness.”
The ceremony brought together parents, alumni, church leaders, education officials, teachers and students.
Addressing the gathering, Archbishop Anyolo said education should not only equip learners with knowledge but also mold them into responsible citizens capable of making meaningful contributions to society.
He noted that Catholic-sponsored schools remain committed to providing holistic education that nurtures integrity, compassion, discipline and servant leadership.
The archbishop warned students against engaging in social vices, including drug abuse, violence, immorality and destruction of property, saying such behaviors undermine academic progress and deny young people the opportunity to realize their full potential.
He urged learners who had excelled to remain humble, observing that academic success and natural talents are gifts that should be used to serve others and positively transform society.
Archbishop Anyolo also commended teachers and parents for their dedication in guiding and mentoring learners, saying their continued commitment is instrumental in shaping future generations.
St. John Kanunga Senior School Principal Warutere attributed the school’s steady academic improvement to a culture of discipline, teamwork and the unwavering support of parents, teachers and the Board of Management.
He applauded students for maintaining exemplary discipline and remaining focused on their studies despite incidents of unrest witnessed in several secondary schools across the country.
Warutere expressed optimism that the institution would continue improving its academic performance, revealing that the school is targeting a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) mean score of 9.0 in the forthcoming national examinations.
He thanked parents for their continued partnership and support, saying their contribution has remained key to the school’s progress and vision of becoming one of the leading academic institutions in Kiambu County.
Board of Management Chairman Sam Muhoho said the school has recorded remarkable growth over the past six years through strategic planning, prudent financial management and sustained investment in infrastructure.
He said the Board has prioritized academic excellence, infrastructure development, staff and student welfare, and sound financial management, resulting in significant improvements in the learning environment.
Muhoho highlighted major developments undertaken by the school, including the expansion of dormitory capacity from 800 to 1,300 students, construction of additional classrooms, expansion of the dining hall to accommodate 1,500 learners, drilling of a solar-powered borehole to guarantee reliable water supply, installation of CCTV surveillance systems and security lighting, upgrading of pathways and sanitation facilities, and establishment of an automotive engineering workshop to support the Competency-Based Education curriculum.
He said the school is also exploring the introduction of aviation training and plans to acquire a light aircraft for practical instruction as part of efforts to broaden career pathways for learners.
According to Muhoho, student enrolment is expected to rise to between 1,800 and 2,000 as expansion of facilities continues.
He further noted that the school’s KCSE mean score improved from 5.9 in 2024 to 6.79 in 2025, while the number of students qualifying for university admission increased from 107 to 165, describing the gains as evidence that the institution is on an upward trajectory.
Former Kiambu Member of Parliament and St. John Kanunga alumnus Jude Njomo encouraged learners to make full use of the opportunities available at the school, saying the institution had played a pivotal role in shaping his leadership, professional career and entrepreneurial journey.
He lauded students for maintaining discipline and resisting negative influences that disrupted learning in some schools, urging them to strive for excellence in academics, leadership, sports and other talents.
Guest speaker Alan Njenga of NIBS Technical College challenged candidates preparing for the KCSE examinations to raise their academic ambitions in order to qualify for competitive university programs.
He also called on parents to continue investing in their children’s education, noting that technical and vocational education remains an equally important pathway to employment, innovation and self-reliance.
Former principals who attended the ceremony praised the school’s transformation, citing notable improvements in academic performance, discipline, infrastructure development and the overall learning environment.
The event culminated in the presentation of awards to students who excelled in academics, leadership, sports and other co-curricular activities, with speakers unanimously urging learners to use their knowledge, talents and values to become responsible citizens committed to serving the nation.
By Grace Naishoo
