Supporting and Mentoring Emerging Schools: Felix Koskei’s Call to Action

Felix Koskei, the Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff, has issued a rallying cry to the leadership of high-performing schools to extend a helping hand to their neighboring, up-and-coming schools. His vision is to foster academic excellence across the board, ensuring that all students, regardless of their school’s current performance, have the opportunity to excel.

Koskei delivered this message during a Thanksgiving ceremony at Samoei Boys Secondary School, celebrating their outstanding performance in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. He emphasized that every student holds the potential for academic success if the spirit of teamwork and effective teaching strategies from high-performing schools are shared with those that are still developing.

In his speech, Koskei challenged teachers from successful schools to use their talents beyond their current classrooms. He suggested that by mentoring teachers in neighboring schools, educators can achieve a higher level of self-actualization and contribute to the broader educational success within the community.

“For a school to excel, all stakeholders must be involved,” Koskei asserted. He highlighted that the concerted efforts of teachers, students, boards of management, and parents are critical determinants of a school’s performance. By working together, these groups can create an environment where academic excellence is the norm.

Koskei dispelled any notions of shortcuts to academic success, stating, “There is no magic in academic excellence other than focusing, identifying challenges, engaging teachers all the time, obedience, and paying school fees on time by parents.” His remarks underscored the importance of discipline, consistent engagement, and addressing challenges head-on.

He extended his gratitude to the teachers at Samoei Boys Secondary School, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. “I want to thank the teachers for working very hard as well as for being close to these boys, which resulted in overwhelming results,” he noted.

Koskei’s call to action is a reminder that academic success is a collective effort. By fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration, schools can lift each other up, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. This approach not only benefits individual schools but also strengthens the educational fabric of the entire community.