Lydia Cherono: From Kuikui Secondary to 1st Class Honours Graduate at UoE
Defied odds of backward cultures such as FGM and forced early marriages
By Joseph Kangogo
Heroine Lydia Jemesis Cherono allumni of Kuikui Mixed Day and Boarding Secondary School in Barwessa ward, Kabosgei location, Baringo North, graduated with a first class honours degree bachelor of education (Agricultural Education) from the University of Eldoret(UoE) Thursday.
The bright girl from a humble background and sleepy Kipera village in Chebugar has shown the world that even Kaptilomwo sub-location can produce sharp brains like her.
Lydia has raisen the flag of the great Kerio Valley and proven that girl child who is highly susceptible to backward cultural practices like Female Genital Mutilation(FGM), forced early marriage and children bearing in her pastoral community can also shine in the world of academia.
Reflecting back, Kuikui Secondary School stands as a beacon of academic excellence, defying the odds and empowering its students to reach new heights.
School Chief Principal Fredrick Cheboiwo congratulated Cherono saying she was among the best KCSE candidates in the class of 2018 who scored a B (stand).
"She has really proven to the world that our school can shine not only in academia but in all fronts, I do encourage the ongoing students to emulate and follow her foot steps" he said.
Currently, with a student population of 1,174, of which 666 are girls, this institution has become a model of inclusive and transformative education.
Ongoing students at Kuikui Secondary, Baringo North
At the helm of this educational powerhouse school's Principal Fredrick Cheboiwo is acutely aware of the challenges faced by the students especially day scholars.
"Those who are day scholars face challenges," he acknowledges, recognising the hurdles that commuting students must overcome to attend school.
Yet, he said the school's unwavering ambition is to have all its students as boarders, providing them with a nurturing environment conducive to their academic and personal growth.
The school's teaching staff, comprising 36 educators, has played a pivotal role in the institution's success.
Guests addressing students at Kuikui Secondary School in a previous event
While 21 of these teachers are employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the remaining 15 serve under the Board of Management (BOM) terms, showcasing the school's commitment to investing in exceptional talent.
The fruits of this investment are evident in the school's 2023 KCSE exam results, where 77 students scored C+ and above.
"The credits go to the teachers, the support staff, and the students who worked hard," Principal Cheboiwo said.
He highlighted the collaborative effort that has driven the school's academic achievements.
Kuikui Secondary School's infrastructure has also undergone a remarkable transformation.
The school boasts 17 classrooms, 14 of which are permanent structures, and 3 are semi-permanent.
"We want to thank all our leaders from the Ministry of Education for giving us the resources used to put up those classrooms," the principal said.
He acknowledges the vital role played by the government and its partners.
World Vision has also been instrumental in the construction of the Girls' Dormitory, while the Ministry of Education has donated Sh 5.6 million towards the construction of a boys' dormitory.
These state-of-the-art facilities have not only enhanced the learning environment but also provided a safe and nurturing space for the students.
The school's academic progress has been nothing short of a remarkable performance.
Since its first KCSE exam presentation in 2013, Kuikui Secondary School has consistently improved, achieving a mean score of 6.5 in 2023.
"We have always improved. Our motto is always improving. We are thankful that God has enabled us to live to that motto," the principal proudly stated.
Looking ahead, the school is strategising to ensure it is prepared for the impending Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) transition.
"We are preparing ourselves for the third part so that when that time comes, we will be ready to receive candidates," Cheboiwo affirmed as he demonstrated the school's forward-thinking approach.
Despite the impressive strides, Kuikui Secondary School faces a pressing need – the replacement of a damaged generator.
School bus donated courtesy of Baringo North National Government Constituency Development Fund
"We are looking for a new generator that would serve this institution that has a market price of Sh 1.3 million," the principal said.
He underscored the school's commitment to maintaining its infrastructure and providing a conducive learning environment.
Recently Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap and his Baringo South counterpart Charles Kamuren, who represented the Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, laid the foundation stone for a multi-purpose dining hall expected to start construction immediately.
As Kuikui Secondary School continues to write its story of excellence, it stands as a testament to the power of dedication, community support, and unwavering determination.
From its humble beginnings to its current status as a model of academic achievement, this institution is poised to inspire generations of students to come, empowering them to reach for the stars.
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