The recently released Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results have highlighted the exceptional performance of students actively involved in extracurricular activities, underscoring the role of holistic education in nurturing both academic and personal growth.
Among the standout achievers is Brian Mokua, a former student and sports captain at Sameta Boys High School in Sameta Sub-County, Kisii County, who earned an impressive mean grade of A of 81 points.
Mokua demonstrated extraordinary diligence, excelling both on the hockey field and in the classroom.
His remarkable achievement was celebrated with high spirits by the school community, which recognised his success as a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering talent alongside academic excellence.
According to the school’s Deputy Head Teacher Isaac Nyamwange, Sameta Boys High School has consistently encouraged its students to harness their talents fully while maintaining a strong focus on academics.
“By actively participating in gaming activities, students can fully achieve their potential,” Nyamwange emphasized. He added that these activities often serve as gateways to broader opportunities, including scholarships and recruitment by professional clubs, which could lead to financially rewarding careers.
Mokua’s success is just one example of the school’s broader achievements. Other students who participated in sports such as basketball, lawn tennis, and soccer also performed exceptionally, with many attaining university entry grades. This alignment of sports and academics has solidified Sameta Boys as a beacon of holistic education in the region.
Innocent Orengo, a candidate at the school, attributed this success to the school’s supportive environment, which prioritises talent development as an integral part of education.
“Sameta promotes talents because they understand its value,” Orengo noted. As evidence of this, he highlighted the story of a fellow student sponsored by the school to participate in the 20th edition of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) games held in Rwanda in 2023.
That student achieved a commendable B grade in the just-released results, further demonstrating the compatibility of sports and academic success.
Nyamwange expressed optimism about the future, stating that with discipline and a unified focus among stakeholders, achieving positive results is inevitable. He reiterated the importance of extracurricular activities in shaping well-rounded individuals capable of excelling in various fields.
As an extra-county school, Sameta Boys High School has set an example for other institutions by demonstrating how structured support for talents can yield significant benefits. The school’s approach not only nurtures students’ passions but also equips them with skills and opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
With the success of students like Mokua, Sameta Boys High School is redefining what it means to excel, proving that a balance of sports and academics can lead to remarkable outcomes.
The achievements of these students are a call to action for schools across the country to embrace holistic education as a pathway to success.
By Misheba Alfred and Celline Maranga