With exactly one month to the kickoff of the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, St. Maurice Mwira School in Matungu has already implemented robust mechanisms to ensure outstanding performance.
Under the calm and visionary leadership of Principal Mr Leonard Avugwi Muganda, the school has thoroughly prepared its 2025 candidate class.
Drawing from a strong tradition of excellence in both academics and co-curricular activities, the school is confident of delivering impressive results once again.
“Our success has always stemmed from early syllabus coverage, a dedicated teaching staff, frequent internal assessments, disciplined learners, supportive parents, and above all, our faith in God,” said Mr Muganda.
Last year, approximately 140 candidates scored above the minimum university entry grade of C+, and the school is committed to surpassing that achievement.
“We have students who understand their purpose and are focused. That makes our work easier,” he added.
Fresh from the sub-county mock exams—dubbed Matungu Jet—the school is using the results to gauge its candidates’ readiness.
Based on previous performances, Mr. Muganda is optimistic: “We have a very strong class this year, and we expect a positive deviation.”
Despite their academic focus, the school faces several challenges. Delayed government capitation, poor fee payment culture, and a shortage of teaching staff continue to strain operations.
“99.9% of our learners come from Matungu and most hail from humble backgrounds. Parents struggle to pay fees, and this affects our ability to run programs smoothly,” Mr. Muganda explained.
The short academic term, coupled with heightened learning demands, has made timely capitation from the national government even more critical. “When schools lack funds, they suffer dearly,” he noted.
The school’s boarding section is also under pressure. With increasing preference for boarding over day schooling, the current capacity is insufficient—especially with the anticipated admission of Grade 10 learners next year.
To address this, the school has acquired three acres of land for expansion. Plans are underway to develop new structures to ease congestion and establish a proper playing ground.
On the sports front, St. Maurice is making waves. The school boasts a formidable girls’ soccer team, nurtured through its academy based at Mwira Comprehensive School.
“We scouted talented girls from various schools while they were in Grade 6. Our primary team has since won regional, national, and East African championships in both 2024 and 2025,” said Mr. Muganda.
All players from Mwira Comprehensive are expected to join St. Maurice, thanks to a memorandum of understanding with their parents.
“We’re not letting any other school poach the talent we identified, developed, and nurtured,” he asserted.
“I’ve heard that Madira Girls—known as the Madira Assassins—and Butere Girls, famously the Red Commandos, are eyeing our players. But I assure you, that’s a futile exercise. We will protect what is rightfully ours.”
Mr. Muganda’s swift and impactful leadership at Mwira has earned him admiration from both the community and stakeholders.
Today, St. Maurice stands as a beacon of excellence and a testament to effective leadership in Matungu.
