Mr Tom Mboya Amadi has officially assumed leadership of Oriwo Boys High School, succeeding outgoing Chief Principal Mr Henry Airo, who has moved to Sawagongo High School.
The handover ceremony was held at the school and attended by key education stakeholders, including the Board of Management (BOM) chair Prof. Kitche, Rachuonyo West Sub-County Director of Education Mr Okongo, TSC Sub-County Director Mr Wagunda, the Quality Assurance Director, the area chief, and Mr Airo himself.
Mr Amadi, popularly known as “Jakwano”, is a renowned mathematics educator and author of the bestselling book Conceptualised Teaching and Learning of Mathematics. His work has been credited with making mathematics one of the most approachable and popular subjects in schools.
“I want to thank the BOM, PA, and all stakeholders for welcoming me to this great institution. I have visited Oriwo several times before, and I am honoured to now serve as its head,” said Mr Amadi.
He emphasised his passion for teaching mathematics, noting that he personally teaches Form Four classes in every school he leads and intends to continue the practice at Oriwo.
Acknowledging that every institution faces challenges, Mr Amadi pledged to work closely with staff and stakeholders. “I promise to be a servant leader. The outgoing principal laid a strong foundation, and I intend to build upon it while fostering collaboration and friendship,” he added.
During the handover, Mr Airo expressed confidence in his successor:
“I have known Mr Amadi for years. He is sharp, intelligent, and focused. Oriwo is in safe hands.”
Mr Okongo, the Sub-County Director of Education, praised Mr Amadi’s track record:
“We know your impressive record of producing 100 A grades at Kisumu Boys. We challenge you to deliver at least 50 A grades in mathematics here at Oriwo. Your record speaks volumes—at God Ber, you set a benchmark that has never been broken. We are glad to have you back in Homa Bay County.”
Mr Amadi joins Oriwo after a brief tenure at Magunga Secondary in Nyakach, Kisumu County. He previously served at Nambale Boys High School in Busia County, where he produced the county’s only A grade, popularised mathematics, and left a lasting legacy. Over three years, he reduced the school’s debt by over Ksh14 million, improved academic performance, boosted student morale, and strengthened co-curricular achievements.
In his inaugural speech, the soft-spoken principal acknowledged Oriwo Boys’ rich academic history and promised to uphold its reputation as one of South Nyanza’s leading schools. He thanked the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Education for his posting, assuring them of his commitment. He also appealed to the TSC Sub-County Director to address staffing shortages at the school.
Oriwo Boys, ranked among the best schools in South Nyanza, enjoys close attention from Interior PS Hon. Raymond Omolo, who follows its progress keenly. The Seventh-day Adventist Church also maintains a special interest in the school’s development.
The community now looks forward to Mr Amadi’s leadership, confident that he will continue Oriwo’s tradition of excellence.
