KITAGWA SCHOOL: DEFYING THE UNDERDOG NARRATIVE
With Mr. Billy Asienwa, Principal Kitagwa School — one of the leadership minds behind the transformation of a pure day school that is now challenging the academic giants in Vihiga County.

Sometimes, success is not about the resources you have; it is about the attitude, determination and leadership you bring to the table.
Kitagwa School has completely defied the notion of being an underdog. Despite being a pure day school without a boarding section, the school has positioned itself among the schools to watch in Vihiga County.
Last year's KCSE results placed Kitagwa among the Top 10 schools in Vihiga County, demonstrating that excellence is possible when leadership, teachers and learners share a common vision.
During my recent visit, I deliberately chose to arrive at the school by 5.00 a.m. To my surprise, I found some learners already in class studying. This was not a school waiting for the teacher to create a reading culture; the learners themselves had developed the hunger to learn.
By 5.30 a.m., the Mathematics teachers, led by Mr. Moses, were already in school conducting the daily Mathematics Challenge. That kind of commitment speaks volumes about the culture being built at Kitagwa.
Even more encouraging is the attitude of the learners towards Mathematics. Their confidence, commitment and willingness to engage with the subject are remarkable. In the last KCSE results, about half of the candidates registered grades C+ and above in Mathematics.
Isn't this a wonderful job?
As the Swahili saying goes:
“Ukiona vyaelea, jua vimeundwa.”
When you see things floating, know that they have been carefully made.
Behind every good result is a story of early mornings, committed teachers, focused learners, supportive leadership, sacrifices and consistent follow-up.
Yes, Kitagwa has experienced a few challenges in 2026, but the spirit remains alive. The teachers and learners are determined to bounce back strongly, chase Grade A performances, and position Kitagwa among the Top 3 schools in Vihiga County in KCSE.
Mr. Billy Asienwa and the entire Kitagwa fraternity, keep pushing. Keep believing. Keep transforming lives.
You have demonstrated that a school does not need to have a boarding section or massive resources to dream big and compete with academic giants.
Leadership matters. Culture matters. Attitude matters. Hard work matters.
All the best, Kitagwa School. Good job! The best is yet to come.
Yours in Education, Mentorship and Service,
Mwalimu Malata O.J. Benson
Teacher – Mentor – Publisher – Writer – Political Analyst – Educational Consultant – Motivational Speaker
0728701795 · bensonmalata65@gmail.com
Comments (0)
Loading comments…
Found this useful? Share it with a teacher, parent or KCSE candidate.
More from Schools