There was jubilation, pride and renewed optimism at St. Cecilia Nangina Girls High School as students, teachers, parents, alumni, education stakeholders and leaders gathered for the school’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the official launch of celebrations marking its elevation from an Extra County School to the prestigious National School (C1) status.
The colorful event marked a defining moment in the institution’s history, with speakers describing the elevation as a reward for years of unwavering commitment to academic excellence, discipline, effective leadership and strategic investment in education.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief guest Dr. Paul Nyongesa Otuoma congratulated the entire school fraternity for the remarkable milestone, saying the new status places St. Cecilia Nangina among Kenya’s elite public secondary schools that admit learners from every corner of the country.
He praised the dedication of students, teachers, parents, the Board of Management, alumni and the local community for working tirelessly to transform the school into a national institution.
“This achievement belongs to everyone who has contributed to the growth of this great school. It is proof that unity, visionary leadership and commitment to quality education can transform institutions into centres of excellence,” he said.
He noted that attaining National School status comes with greater expectations, including maintaining high academic standards, expanding infrastructure, improving learning facilities and increasing staffing levels to match the anticipated rise in student enrolment.
Governor Otuoma recalled that during his tenure as Member of Parliament for Funyula Constituency, deliberate efforts were made to decongest classrooms and dormitories through infrastructure development. However, he observed that the school’s new status demands fresh investments and stronger collaboration among the government, development partners, alumni and well-wishers.
To support the institution’s next phase of growth, he pledged to mobilize resources from friends and partners towards the purchase of a new School Bus, saying reliable transport would enhance students’ mobility, academic programmes, co-curricular activities and exposure through educational tours.
Speaking during the celebrations, Chief Principal Judith Okanda described the elevation as a dream that had finally come true after years of determination and sacrifice.
She said the recognition reflects the outstanding performance, discipline and resilience that have become the hallmark of St. Cecilia Nangina Girls.
“This is a historic day for our school. Becoming a National School is not just a change of category; it is recognition of our commitment to academic excellence, holistic education and producing responsible young women who will transform society,” said Mrs. Okanda.
The Principal thanked the Ministry of Education, the Board of Management, parents, teachers, students, alumni and all partners who played a role in the school’s journey to national recognition.
She acknowledged that the institution now faces the challenge of expanding its facilities to accommodate learners from across the country while maintaining the high standards that earned it the prestigious status.
“We are ready for this responsibility. Our focus now is to strengthen infrastructure, improve teaching and learning resources, embrace innovation and ensure every learner receives quality education in a conducive environment. We invite all stakeholders to walk this journey with us,” she added.
Education stakeholders present at the event described the elevation as a major milestone not only for Funyula Constituency and Busia County but also for the Western Kenya region, noting that the achievement will broaden educational opportunities for learners nationwide.
The AGM also served as a platform for charting the school’s future development agenda, with stakeholders committing to support infrastructure expansion, improved boarding facilities, modern learning resources and enhanced academic programmes befitting a National School.
As celebrations continue, St. Cecilia Nangina Girls High School enters a new chapter filled with great promise, carrying the hopes of a community determined to see the institution emerge as one of Kenya’s leading centres of academic excellence and leadership development.
