St. John Kanunga Senior School celebrated academic excellence, discipline and character formation during its annual Prize Giving Day, with education leaders, alumni and parents challenging students to pursue greatness while upholding integrity and moral values.
The colourful ceremony, held under the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Greatness,” brought together students, parents, teachers, alumni and distinguished guests led by Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Archdiocese of Nairobi, who commended the school for nurturing learners through holistic education.
Addressing the gathering, Archbishop Anyolo said academic success should be accompanied by strong moral values, discipline and service to society. He noted that Catholic-sponsored schools have a responsibility to mould learners into responsible citizens capable of transforming their communities.
The Archbishop urged students to remain focused on their education while avoiding destructive behaviours such as drug abuse, violence, immorality and indiscipline, warning that such vices undermine both personal growth and national development. He encouraged the learners to use their God-given talents to serve others and become agents of positive change.
“Our gifts and achievements should never become a source of pride but an opportunity to serve humanity,” he said, while urging parents and teachers to continue investing in the moral and spiritual development of young people.
School principal Warutere praised the commitment of parents, teachers and the Board of Management, saying their collective efforts had transformed the institution into one of the best-performing schools in Kiambu Sub-county.
He revealed that the school is targeting a mean score of between 8.0 and 9.0 in the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, expressing confidence that the candidates have the potential to achieve even greater results.
The principal also appealed for support in constructing a permanent stone perimeter wall to enhance the security of learners after the student leadership highlighted the need during the ceremony.
Board of Management Chairman Sam Mohoho outlined the remarkable transformation the school has undergone over the past six years through strategic planning and prudent financial management.
He said dormitory capacity has increased from 800 to 1,300 students, while classroom facilities, dining halls and kitchens have been expanded to accommodate the growing student population.
Mohoho added that the school had permanently solved its water shortage by drilling a 300-metre-deep borehole powered by solar energy, ensuring a reliable water supply for students and staff.
Other major developments include installation of CCTV surveillance cameras, improved lighting, landscaping, modern walkways, upgraded sanitation facilities, a bakery, an expanded canteen and an automotive engineering workshop as the institution prepares for the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum.
He disclosed that the Board plans to establish an aviation training facility by acquiring a small aircraft for practical instruction and intends to increase student enrolment to between 1,800 and 2,000 learners in the medium term.
According to Mohoho, the school’s academic performance has improved significantly, with the mean score rising from 5.9 in 2024 to 6.79 in 2025. University admissions also increased from 107 students to 165 over the same period, making the institution one of the most improved schools in the region.
Former Kiambu Member of Parliament Jude Njomo, an alumnus of the school, urged students to seize the opportunities available to them and strive for excellence in every aspect of life.
Recalling his days at St. John Kanunga, Njomo said the institution had shaped his leadership abilities and entrepreneurial mindset, enabling him to build a successful career after completing his education.
He challenged students to avoid negative influences and instead develop talents that would propel them to greater achievements, noting that discipline and hard work remain the foundation of success.
Njomo also praised the school’s consistent growth in infrastructure and academic performance, observing that learners today enjoy better facilities than previous generations. He acknowledged government efforts in improving road infrastructure leading to the institution.
Guest speaker Alan Njenga, an administrator at NIBS Technical College, encouraged students to aim beyond average performance, saying the country’s most competitive university programmes require exceptional grades.
He reminded the learners that success demands perseverance and hard work, while urging parents to continue supporting their children’s education and career aspirations.
Njenga also encouraged students who may not qualify for university to embrace technical and vocational education, noting that practical skills provide viable pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding students in academics, leadership, sports and co-curricular activities, as school leaders reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing disciplined, innovative and morally upright graduates prepared to make meaningful contributions to society.
