As the clock ticks towards the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, Soliat Boys High School in Sigowet Constituency, Kericho County, is unleashing its final stretch of academic prowess with an ambitious target of attaining a mean score of 7.5.

Having posted a mean score of 6.7 in the 2025 KCSE, the school has now set its sights higher since January. The 2026 cohort of 210 candidates is determined to turn the 7.5 target from an ambitious projection into a measurable academic reality, with a sounding thunder of quality grades—particularly the coveted Grade A's—expected to define the final results.

With 39 days remaining to the official commencement of KCSE 2026 on 2nd November, the school community is entering what can aptly be described as the FINAL STRETCH.

This is no longer a season for academic complacency. It is a period for consolidation, sharpening, revision, mentorship, discipline and strategic execution.

THE CORE VALUES DRIVING THE 7.5 DREAM

The 2026 candidates are not pursuing academic excellence in isolation. They are guided by the school's clearly articulated core values: God fearing Professionalism Discipline Integrity Creativity Courtesy Teamwork These values provide the foundation upon which the academic ambitions of Soliat Boys are being built.

The school's philosophy is equally anchored on a compelling vision:

Its mission—to equip learners with knowledge, skills and values that enable them to cope with present and future life challenges—is evident in the manner in which the 2026 candidates are approaching their final preparation.

4:30 A.M. TO 6:40 P.M.: A CULTURE OF ACADEMIC SACRIFICE

I had an opportunity to interact with the 2026 candidates on a Saturday in mid-September, and what I witnessed was remarkable. By 4:30 a.m., the candidates were already settled for Kiswahili facilitation covering all the examination papers. The programme eventually ended at approximately 6:40 p.m. Yet throughout the long academic engagement, the candidates remained alert, active and engaged. There was no unnecessary movement out of class apart from normal breaks for refreshments. Even more striking was the level of concentration: no candidate dosed during the facilitation session.

Such commitment demonstrates that the 7.5 target is not merely a number written on a strategic document. It is being supported by a culture of sacrifice, consistency and academic discipline

TEACHERS, PARENTS, BOM AND COMMUNITY UNITED

Behind the candidates is a network of stakeholders who understand that academic transformation requires collective responsibility. The school's Chief Principal, Mr. Daniel Kiprotich, expressed confidence in the candidates and acknowledged the commitment of the wider school community.

The statement from the Chief Principal reflects an important reality: KCSE success is a collective enterprise. The candidates may be the ones sitting the examination, but their journey is supported by teachers, parents, the Board of Management, school leadership and the community around them.

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS: NO LONGER ORDINARY WEEKENDS

At Soliat Boys, Saturdays and Sundays have increasingly taken the character of normal working days. Teachers are present in school, attending to candidates academically and ensuring that the available time is maximally utilised.

The candidates, too, have made sacrifices. Some entertainment time has been surrendered on Saturdays in favour of academic programmes. This is perhaps one of the clearest indicators of the seriousness with which the 2026 class is approaching the examination.

The boys have chosen the demands of the present in pursuit of the rewards of the future.

Mr. Andrew Chepkwony, Director of Studies (DOS), believes the current cohort possesses important qualities that could support its academic ambitions.

Good entry behaviour, discipline and willingness to participate in academic programmes provide an important platform upon which the final preparations can be built.

THE COOL HIGHLANDS OF KERICHO: A NATURAL ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT

Soliat Boys High School is situated in the cool highlands of the Rift Valley, an environment that provides a serene and conducive atmosphere for academic engagement. Away from the distractions associated with busy urban environments, the school provides an atmosphere in which learners can concentrate on their studies, reflect on their ambitions and prepare for the examination ahead. But the physical environment alone does not produce academic excellence. It is the people, culture, discipline, leadership and determination within the institution that convert an environment into an academic powerhouse.

• THE FINAL STRETCH: FROM AMBITION TO EXECUTION
• The journey from a 6.7 mean score in 2025 to a target of 7.5 in 2026 requires every remaining day to count.
• The final stretch should therefore be characterised by:
• Focused revision.
• Targeted intervention.
• Continuous assessment.
• Individual learner support.
• Teacher collaboration.
• Strong parental support.
• Discipline and time management.
• Strategic examination preparation.
• Every candidate must understand that every lesson, every revision session, every consultation with a teacher and every examination practice contributes to the final outcome.
• The teachers, on their part, have the enormous responsibility of identifying gaps, strengthening areas of weakness and nurturing every available strength.

Parents and the community must continue providing the emotional, moral and material support required by the candidates.

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