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Every Story Matters
Every Story Matters
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A Rural School With an Urban Impact
Deep in the green hills of Embu County lies Moi High School Mbiruri, a school whose name might once have resonated only within county borders. But in April 2025, at changed. With a simple stage, passionate students, and a powerful story titled Classmates, the school broke past academic stereotypes and emerged as a national cultural powerhouse. Their performance didn’t just entertain—it stirred the nation, turning heads all the way to State House.
Classmates: The Plot That Touched a Nation
The play, Classmates, revolves around three former school friends—Kasmuel, the idealist; Muhujia, the pragmatist; and Mafia, the rebel. Once inseparable, their lives diverge dramatically after school. Kasmuel becomes a visionary social entrepreneur, striving to uplift his community. Muhujia navigates a rigid corporate world, losing touch with his youthful dreams. Mafia, unable to find his footing, drifts into a life of chaos. Through dialogue, symbolism, and raw emotion, the play unpacks themes of friendship, ambition, disillusionment, and redemption.
The brilliance of the script lies in its relatability. Audiences saw themselves or people they knew in the characters. The narrative subtly critiques the education system’s tendency to prioritize exam results over emotional intelligence, creativity, and personal growth. It challenges parents, teachers, and policymakers to reconsider what success really looks like.
The Making of the Triumph
What made Classmates stand out wasn’t just the acting—it was the production’s polish, maturity, and bold message. The students didn’t have access to elite theatre coaches or professional sets. Their tools were raw talent, a dedicated drama teacher, and weeks of practice squeezed between classes. From scriptwriting and costume design to choreography and lighting cues, every aspect of the performance was student-driven. This authenticity lent it a soul that captivated judges and audiences alike.
The National Drama and Film Festivals in Nairobi became their proving ground. Competing against prestigious urban schools with deeper pockets and years of theatrical legacy, Mbiruri’s team stood tall, ultimately walking away with the coveted national trophy.
From National Stage to Presidential Platform
Winning the festival was a feat, but the story didn’t stop there. Impressed by their performance, the Ministry of Education extended a rare invitation: perform at State House Nakuru before the Head of State. In front of President William Ruto and an assembly of dignitaries, the students delivered Classmates with even greater emotional depth, earning standing ovations. The President’s personal commendation was not just a compliment—it was an endorsement of co-curricular learning as a pillar of national development.
The Academic Backbone
Far from being a school that sidelines academics for the arts, Moi High School Mbiruri excels on both fronts. In the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, the school produced 23 straight A students—an achievement rare even in elite national schools. With a mean grade of 8.4, Mbiruri positioned itself among the top-performing schools in the county.
This dual excellence in academics and arts challenges the outdated dichotomy between “book-smart” and “creative.” The school’s success proves that when given the right environment, students don’t have to choose. They can be scholars, artists, leaders, all at once.
CBC in Action: Lessons Beyond the Chalkboard
Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has faced its share of scrutiny, but Mbiruri’s story gives it a shining testimonial. The CBC framework emphasizes nurturing a wide range of competencies—communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. All of these were on display in Classmates. This wasn't a test or a textbook lesson. It was CBC made real. The success of the play is evidence that education reform isn’t just theoretical—it’s happening in school halls, drama rooms, and on makeshift stages across the country.
Battles Fought, Battles Won
Mbiruri’s rise hasn’t been without hurdles. In 2019, the school was temporarily closed due to a Hepatitis A outbreak, sparking national concern. Parents, students, and staff were thrown into disarray. But the crisis became a turning point. Health protocols were upgraded. Sanitation improved. And from those dark months emerged a stronger institution—more prepared, more focused, and more determined to rewrite its narrative.
Looking Ahead: The Ripple Effect
Already, nearby schools taking notes. Drama clubs are receiving more attention. Principals are pushing for budget allocations for creative programs. Parents are beginning to see the arts not as a distraction, but as a springboard for confidence, collaboration, and communication skills.
For Mbiruri students, the success of Classmates has opened new doors. Some have been approached by national theatre groups, others are being considered for scholarships in performing arts. These are paths that would have been unthinkable for rural students a decade ago. But thanks to their boldness and belief in their story, their futures now stretch beyond Embu and maybe even beyond Kenya.
1 comment
guest
8mo ago
This is amazing