Just over a decade ago, Lwanda Lugari Mixed Senior School was another new institution finding its footing in rural Lugari. Today, it is steadily becoming one of the constituency’s inspiring education success stories, proving that a school does not need decades of history or lavish resources to produce impressive academic results.
Sitting on five acres of land in Lugari Ward, the public secondary school has quietly built a reputation for academic consistency, discipline and community partnership. Behind its rising KCSE performance lies a simple but powerful formula: parents, teachers and the local community working towards one common goal.
With more than 300 learners enrolled so far, the school has become a beacon of hope for families seeking quality education close to home.
The community is the school’s greatest asset
Unlike many institutions where the relationship between schools and parents is limited to meetings and fee reminders, Lwanda Lugari has cultivated a partnership rooted in trust and shared responsibility.
For Principal Jackson Tunga, the school’s greatest achievement is not merely improved examination results but the confidence it has earned from the community.
Speaking to Western Kenya Times, Mr. Tunga explained that the institution’s steady academic rise has encouraged more parents to enroll their children locally instead of seeking places in distant schools.
Perhaps the clearest evidence of this trust is the school’s university transition record.
All the 13 students who secured university admission from the KCSE 2025 class came from families within the surrounding community. The previous year told a similar story, with all 14 university qualifiers in KCSE 2024 also drawn from the locality.
These achievements have transformed the perception of the school. Parents who once doubted whether a young village school could compete academically are now among its strongest ambassadors.
“The consistency in our academic performance has earned the confidence of parents. They continue to entrust us with the education of their children because they can see the results,” Mr. Tunga said.
Education without leaving anyone behind
In many parts of Kenya, school fees remain one of the biggest obstacles preventing children from completing their education. Lwanda Lugari Mixed Senior School has responded with a practical solution inspired by the realities of rural life.
Recognising that not every parent has cash readily available, the school accepts payments in kind. Families can bring chickens, firewood or other valuable items that can be converted into school fees.
The arrangement may appear unconventional, but it has become a lifeline for many households struggling with financial hardship. Rather than sending students home because of unpaid fees, the school prioritises keeping learners in class while working with parents to find solutions.
The approach reflects a broader philosophy—that education should never become a privilege reserved only for families with financial means.
Strong foundations begin at home
According to Mr. Tunga, the school’s success is also anchored in the values instilled by parents long before students enter the classroom. He credits families for raising disciplined children who respect teachers, embrace hard work and remain focused on their education.
The school also enjoys close collaboration with neighbouring comprehensive schools, ensuring a smooth transition for learners entering secondary education. Instead of beginning afresh, students join an environment that already understands their educational journey and community background.
Teachers and parents pulling in one direction
For Director of Studies Ben Amasachwe, the school’s achievements are the product of collective effort rather than individual brilliance.
He believes the partnership between teachers, parents and the surrounding community has created an environment where learners feel supported both inside and outside the classroom.
That collaboration has strengthened the school’s reputation and created a culture where academic excellence is expected rather than hoped for. Mr. Amasachwe is optimistic that this year’s KCSE candidates will continue the school’s upward trajectory.
With 104 candidates registered for the 2026 national examinations, the institution is targeting a mean score of 5.5 and hopes to produce at least 30 university qualifiers, more than double last year’s number.
More than books and examinations
Academic achievement is only one part of the school’s growing identity. The school has increasingly invested in nurturing talent beyond the classroom.
This year, the girls’ football team reached the Lugari Sub-County competitions after an impressive run before eventually bowing out to Archbishop Njenga Girls High School.
The performance underscored the school’s commitment to producing well-rounded learners by balancing classroom excellence with sporting opportunities. Such achievements have boosted students’ confidence while strengthening the school’s visibility across the region.
A peaceful environment that inspires learning
Visitors to Lwanda Lugari Lugari quickly notice the calm atmosphere that defines daily life at the institution.
Away from the distractions often associated with urban schools, learners study in a serene environment where teachers remain accessible and parents stay actively involved in school affairs.
The result is an institution where students are encouraged to dream bigger, work harder and believe that success is attainable regardless of their background.
