Hundreds of learners from Kathieno “B” Sub-location in Ugenya Sub-county, Siaya County, over the weekend benefited from a colorful mentorship programme organized by the area Assistant Chief, Mr. Joash Ogolla. The event, now in its sixth edition, brought together learners from various schools, education stakeholders, government administrators, and community leaders.
The mentorship session was presided over by Prof. Eric Nyambega, Vice Chancellor of Maseno University, and attended by several National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) led by the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) of Ugenya.
Addressing the learners, Prof. Nyambega commended Mr. Ogolla for prioritizing education and creating opportunities for young people in Kathieno “B”.
“Most successful people in life went through school. Education remains the surest pathway to success, and learners must remain disciplined, focused, and trust in God if they are to achieve their dreams,” said Prof. Nyambega.
He lauded the mentorship programme for increasing university enrollment from the area, noting that the initiative has significantly changed the educational landscape of the sub-location. He also cautioned learners against examination malpractice, emphasizing that cheating in exams only creates challenges later in higher learning institutions.
The Vice Chancellor urged students to avoid obstacles that derail academic progress, including drug and substance abuse, early pregnancies, absenteeism, and child labour. He challenged the 2026 candidates to work hard and produce the elusive Grade A, noting that the sub-location did not register an A student in the previous national examinations.
Prof. Nyambega further praised Mr. Ogolla’s exceptional leadership and suggested that he deserves promotion for his outstanding service.
“This administrator has done exceedingly well. Whenever someone performs exceptionally, it is important to recognize and reward their efforts,” he remarked.
In support of the initiative, Prof. Nyambega donated KSh 50,000 to the programme’s needy students’ fund to help sustain educational support for vulnerable learners.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Joash Ogolla, the founder and coordinator of the mentorship programme, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who have stood with the initiative since its inception.
He revealed that the programme was born out of a desire to break the vicious cycle of poverty that had affected many families in Kathieno “B”.
“When I assumed office as Assistant Chief, I realized that many parents engaging in illicit liquor brewing were simply struggling to educate their children. Together with village elders, we developed a plan to keep children in school while empowering their parents economically. Six years later, the programme has transformed many lives,” said Mr. Ogolla.
According to Mr. Ogolla, the programme has enabled 54 out of 88 beneficiaries to join universities across the country. He expressed his desire to see Kathieno “B” become a village full of graduates, drawing inspiration from the legacy of the late Chief Odera Kang’o of Gem.
Siaya 2027 Senatorial aspirant CPA Zack Masiro, who also attended the event, challenged learners to remain focused in their studies and avoid activities that could derail their ambitions. He further made a personal donation towards supporting the programme.
Beneficiaries and community members were full of praise for the Assistant Chief’s dedication and accountability.
“Education is the greatest equalizer in society. We commend Chief Ogolla for supporting needy learners and transforming our community. We are proud of his commitment and determination,” said one local resident.
Mary Achieng’, a student at and a beneficiary of the programme, credited her academic success to the initiative.
“I am currently pursuing my university education because of the support I received through this programme. May God bless Chief Ogolla for changing my life,” she said.
Despite the success, Mr. Ogolla highlighted challenges facing the programme, particularly the rising cost of sanitary towels for girls from vulnerable families. He appealed to partner with the initiative through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.
“We purchase large quantities of sanitary towels every year to keep our girls in school. We humbly appeal to “SOFTCARE” and other well-wishers to partner with us so that we can continue supporting these learners,” he said.
As the programme continues to grow, many stakeholders believe that the Kathieno “B” mentorship initiative has become a model worth emulating across the country, demonstrating how visionary grassroots leadership can transform communities through education.
