By Harun Mugambi
Under the expansive skies of Kaaga Primary School, the Methodist Church in Kenya proudly hosted the 2nd Annual Education Day for the Methodist Sponsored Secondary Schools Principals Association (MESSPA) on Friday, July 5, 2024.
Themed “Future Pathways for Learning and Learners in Kenya,” the event was a beacon of innovation and collaboration, uniting educators, policymakers, students, and stakeholders alike. Keynote speeches, awards, and interactive sessions illuminated the path towards transforming Kenya’s educational landscape.
Distinguished guests included the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church in Kenya, Rev. Isaiah Deye, and Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, who lent their wisdom and support to the occasion.
Rev. Deye emphasized the Methodist schools’ role in nurturing holistic education, aligning with Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum in nurturing well-rounded individuals. “Methodist schools should be institutions that provide learners with the environment to grow holistically,” he stated.
Senator Murungi, in his impassioned address, celebrated the achievements of Methodist institutions and advocated for broader educational reforms.
He championed the cause of Junior Secondary School teachers’ rights and emphasized the importance of youth engagement in national dialogue.
The highlight of the day was the glittering prize-giving ceremony, where top schools like Miathene Boys Highschool, Nkuene Girls Highschool and Kaaga Girls Highschool were awarded in the extra county best schools’ overall category and outstanding students were lauded for their academic prowess.
Kaaga girls and kaaga Boys also exhibited exemplary performance in extra co-curriculum as they were only schools awarded in this category.
County Schools that were awarded included Multhankari girls, Kimachai secondary, Ntunene secondary, Kitheo secondary, Kathera girls and St. lukes Boys.
Other subcounty schools from different regions in Meru were also awarded including Mweteria Day Secondary school in North imenti, Thuuri Day Secondary in Tigania Central, Machaku Day Secondary in Tigania West, Antuanduria Day Secondary school in Tigania East, Bishop Lawi Imathiu Day Secondary school in Imenti East, Muthangene Day Secondary in Meru Central, Mikubune Upper Secondary in Imenti South, St. James Tutua Day Secondary in Buuri West, Auki Day Secondary in Igembe South, Mariri Day Secondary in Igembe North, Kandubai Day Secondary in Igembe Central, and Garbatulla High school in Isiolo toped this category.
Rev. Charles Mwenda, the Methodist Education Secretary, and Mr. Moses Marete, MESSPA Chairman, joined in celebrating the success of these educational institutions.
Senator Murungi also took the opportunity to share the impact of his Kamashinani Foundation, which has granted scholarships to over 150 deserving students, many of whom hail from Methodist-sponsored schools in Meru.
The event not only celebrated past achievements but also set a vibrant course for the future of education in Kenya, showcasing Methodist schools as pioneers in shaping the next generation of leaders and thinkers.
