The Dr Julius Mambili’s midas touch at Kakamega High School
Kakamega High School is now on the path to reclaiming its lost glory, thanks to the steady leadership of Chief Principal Dr. Julius Mambili, who is barely three years old at the national school.
Having a good record in his 26 years of headship in more than fuur schools among them Bikeke secondary in Trans Nzoia, Kapenguria high in West Pokot and Kabarnet before he headed to Litein High School where he served then transferred to Kakamega High, Dr. Mambili is spearheading a transformation that is seeing the school improve its facilities, sustainability measures, and academic performance.
His ambitious reforms have not only elevated the institution’s standing but have also set the stage for a historic academic milestone as witnessed in the year 2024 results.
He took over at the time the school was in dire need of face-lift as most buildings were dilapidated, the sanitation system overstretched, and bills for water and electricity were unrealistic, revealing that the institution was paying kshs.500,000 monthly for the same and was forced to put up austerity measures to save the situation.
In the spirit, he initiated an extensive environmental rehabilitation program, planting trees, paving walkways with cabros, and repainting classrooms while repairing broken window panes.
Also, he set up a new dormitory accommodating 500 students,a modern urinal facility that can be used by 100 students at once was put up.
Additionally, a waste digester system was installed to improve sanitation.
To address water shortage, Mambili initiated drilling of a second borehole at the school installing water storage tanks, and this has ensured a steady water supply in the entire school.
Mambili, on reducing electricity and sustainable energy supply, went a step further and installed a 25kV hybrid power plant and a solar energy system at the cost of Ksh 5 million, which now powers the school resulting to reduced billing from as a result, electricity bills—previously at Ksh 500,000 per month—have drastically reduced to less than Kshs.90,000 and water costs have also gone down.
To improve learning conditions, six modern classrooms, each accommodating 80 students, have been constructed, easing congestion and enhancing the teaching environment.
Beyond infrastructure, Dr. Mambili aggressively revamped co-curricular activities, breathing new life into the school’s famous football team, the Green Commandos, and rugby teams.
The impact has been evident, with the teams showing strong performances in regional and county competitions despite poaching by competitors who are going for the best players at a fee.
Under his leadership, alumni of the school have been mobilised and have already renovated four classrooms and also sponsored education for over 25 students at the institution.
On the academic front, Kakamega High School recorded one of its best results since its inception, a sign that the turnaround strategy is working.
Encouraged by this progress, Dr. Mambili has registered 668 candidates for the 2024 KCSE exams, setting an ambitious target of a mean score of 9.0.
With these sweeping changes, Kakamega High School is no longer just another institution—it is a model of resilience and visionary leadership. As 2025 unfolds, the school community is optimistic that the best is yet to come.
Last year, the school had over 394 students garnering a direct entry to public university grade with the highest number of As.
The results were as follows,8 students managed grade A plain,74 got A minus while 80 students garnered grade B plus with 86 students registering grade B plain as 130 students got grade B minus and 97 closing the chapter of university entry with grade C plus.
The three school buses that had been stalled for years before Mambili entry are now operational, and students and teachers are at their comfort whenever need arises.
