In the lush, sugar-cane-fringed landscapes of Bungoma County, where the air carries the sweet scent of agriculture and the rhythm of rural life pulses steadily, stands a quiet powerhouse of education: Nzoia Sugar Primary and Junior Secondary School (JSS).
Founded in 1972 under the stewardship of the Friends Church (Quakers), this institution has evolved from humble beginnings into a national symbol of academic rigor, artistic brilliance and athletic prowess.
Today, Nzoia Sugar Company Primary and Junior Secondary School is celebrated as the premier boarding school in Western Kenya—a dream destination for parents and pupils seeking holistic exposure and transformative growth.
Under the visionary leadership of Principal Madam Lydia Namisi, Nzoia Sugar Primary & JSS continues to “nice and rise,” mentoring generations and claiming top honors on Kenya’s grandest stages.
Humble Roots and Corporate Stewardship
The story of Nzoia Sugar Primary begins over five decades ago, in 1972, when the Friends Church (Quakers) established it as a community-driven initiative to provide quality education amid the burgeoning sugar industry in Bungoma. For the first decade, the school operated under Quaker principles of simplicity, integrity and service, laying a strong moral and educational foundation for local children.
In 1982, a pivotal transition occurred when Nzoia Sugar Company stepped in as the official sponsor. This corporate takeover injected resources, infrastructure and a renewed focus on excellence.
The company, a cornerstone of the region’s economy, transformed the school into a model institution within its nuclear base—a secure, self-contained community off the Bungoma-Webuye highway, branching from Bukembe Shopping Centre. What started as a modest day school blossomed into a full-fledged boarding facility, attracting pupils from across Western Kenya and beyond.
Since then, Nzoia has been a nurturing ground for thousands of children.
“The school has mentored many who passed through our gates, shaping not just minds but characters,” reflects Madam Namisi.
This sponsorship model has ensured stability, with investments in modern classrooms, laboratories, dormitories and sports fields, creating an environment where potential is unlocked.
Academic Stellars
Nzoia Sugar Primary & JSS has long been a leader in academics, consistently posting stellar results in national examinations. Its reputation as the best boarding school in the Western Region is cemented by a track record of producing top performers who excel in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and now the Junior Secondary assessments.
The pinnacle of this academic excellence came in 2020, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Samuel Makhanu—also known as Samuel Wanyonyi Mukhwana—emerged as the top boy from the Nzoia area and the school, scoring an impressive 431 marks out of 500.
Nationally, he tied for fourth position overall, showcasing the school’s ability to compete at the highest level. The top student that year was Mumo Faith Kawee with 433 marks, but Samuel’s achievement put Nzoia firmly on the map as a producer of elite scholars.
This was no fluke. Year after year, Nzoia’s pupils dominate regional rankings, benefiting from a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, STEM subjects, and personalized mentoring.
The boarding setup fosters discipline and focused study, with teachers going beyond the call of duty to prepare learners for national platforms. As Principal Madam Lydia Namisi notes, “Our goal is not just passing exams but building lifelong learners who contribute to society.”
Unrivaled in Music and Performing Arts
While academics form the core, Nzoia Sugar Primary & JSS shines brightest in co-curricular activities, proving that well-rounded development is key to true success.
The school’s music program is a national sensation. In both 2024 and 2025, Nzoia clinched the Best trophy nationally at the Kenya National Music Festivals across various classes (categories). From folk songs and choral verses to instrumental performances, the pupils’ harmonies and creativity have wowed judges and audiences alike.
These victories are the result of dedicated training under skilled instructors, with the school investing in instruments, costumes and rehearsal spaces.
“Music teaches discipline, teamwork and expression—skills that transcend the stage,” says Madam Namisi, who has championed arts integration into the curriculum.
Excellence in Games and Sports
On the field, Nzoia is equally formidable. The school excels in athletics, football, volleyball, regularly qualifying for coveted championships. State-of-the-art pitches and coaching staff ensure pupils hone their skills to professional levels. Regional tournaments often see Nzoia teams lifting trophies, instilling values of resilience and sportsmanship.
Principal Lydia Namisi Factor
At the heart of Nzoia’s ascent is Principal Madam Lydia Namisi, a dynamic educator whose tenure has propelled the school to unprecedented heights. Joining with a vision for innovation, she has overhauled infrastructure, enhanced teacher training and fostered partnerships that elevate standards.
Under her guidance, enrollment has surged, facilities modernized, and national accolades multiplied. Madam Namisi’s hands-on approach—mentoring pupils, engaging parents and celebrating every milestone—has created a culture of excellence.
A Dream School
Nestled in the secure Nzoia Sugar Company nuclear base, the school offers more than education—it provides exposure to a vibrant, multicultural community. Boarding life exposes children to independence, diversity, and opportunity, away from urban distractions. Parents flock here for the proven track record: top KCPE scorers, music champions, sports stars and alumni who excel in secondary schools and universities.
As Bungoma’s pride, this institution reminds us that with vision, mentorship and community support, even rural schools can achieve greatness. Here’s to many more years of “nice and rise”!