Nestled along the beautiful hills of Motigo, approximately six kilometers from Tenwek Hospital off Merigi Road in Bomet Central District, Bomet County, lies Keneni Stars Academy—a school born from a vision to bring quality, transformative education to the children of rural Kenya.
Never despise your humble beginnings... a small seed always becomes a beacon...
The Story of Keneni Stars Academy
Nestled along the beautiful hills of Motigo, approximately six kilometers from Tenwek Hospital off Merigi Road in Bomet Central District, Bomet County, lies Keneni Stars Academy—a school born from a vision to bring quality, transformative education to the children of rural Kenya.
"At Keneni Stars Academy, we believe that education is a partnership between the school, the students, and the community. Our teachers and pupils engage with the community in nearly everything they do, showing families the importance of education"
The Early Days: Jonjo Star Academy
The story begins on 2nd January 2014, when the school first opened its doors as Jonjo Star Academy. Registered under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology as a private mixed day nursery and primary school (Registration No. PE/13976/14), the school was licensed to accommodate a maximum of 370 pupils—two nursery classes of 25 pupils each and single-stream primary classes from Grade 1 to 8, with 40 pupils per class.
In its first year, the school began with just thirty (30) children from the local community and surrounding areas. By 2016, the number had grown to approximately one hundred (100) pupils, with classes running from pre-school through Grade 6. The school operated from seven temporary timber classrooms, with no reliable supply of water. Despite these humble beginnings, there was hope in this village—a hope that education could transform lives.
However, in January 2017, the school faced significant challenges. Due to lack of necessary infrastructure and low learner turnout, the management suspended teaching and eventually put the property up for sale. By March 2018, Jonjo Stars Academy had closed its doors, leaving the community without a vital educational resource.
A New Beginning: Keneni Stars Academy
In January 2019, the school was purchased and reopened under new management as Keneni Stars Academy—a name derived from the village of Keneni. Under the leadership of Dr. Joash Bii, PhD (Founder and Director), the school rose from the ashes of its predecessor with a renewed vision and a deep commitment to serving the community.
The school was re-registered with the Ministry of Education (Registration No. 36P12000199) and, after passing rigorous quality, environmental impact, and health and safety inspections, was approved as an official examination center with KNEC Code 25508761.
Dr. Bii's journey to founding Keneni Stars Academy is itself an inspiring story. He had been supported in his own education by Lift the Lid, Inc. , a US-based nonprofit organization. After earning his PhD, he chose to return to his community and give back by establishing a school that would provide quality, affordable education to children who might otherwise have no opportunity to learn.
Growth and Recognition
On 2nd January 2019, Keneni Stars Academy officially opened its doors with a new mission and a fresh start. Since then, the school has experienced remarkable growth.
The school achieved its full registration status in 2022, cementing its place as a recognized institution of learning in Bomet County. Today, Keneni Stars Academy has earned recognition as one of the leading schools in the region.
Our Commitment to the Community
At Keneni Stars Academy, we believe that education is a partnership between the school, the students, and the community. Our teachers and pupils engage with the community in nearly everything they do, showing families the importance of education—especially in a region where some parents never attended school themselves and may not see the need for their children to be educated.
Our commitment includes:
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Empowering Girls – Encouraging girls to study and set future career goals
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Health and Sanitation – Instructing pupils and parents on sanitation, nutrition, and hygiene
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Life Skills – Educating students about the dangers of drugs and the importance of wise decision-making
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Open Dialogue – Encouraging productive discussions that strengthen families and communities
Our Staff
Keneni Stars Academy now has a dedicated team of 14 staff members, including:
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10 full-time teaching staff
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2 kitchen staff
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1 security guard
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1 Administrator
All our staff are committed Christian educationists who have helped steer Keneni Academy in the direction of success and hope for our learners.
Our Vision for the Future
Since 2019, Keneni Stars Academy has been committed to providing quality education that empowers pupils to become responsible and productive citizens. Under the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), we envision a stimulating learning environment that fosters holistic development, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
Our aim is to create an environment where pupils can be molded holistically, equipping them with the necessary basic skills for life, challenging them to achieve their best, and building self-confidence in their personal abilities.
A Legacy of Hope
From thirty children in temporary timber classrooms to over two hundred learners in a fully registered school, the journey of Keneni Stars Academy is a testament to the power of vision, partnership, and perseverance. Every child in this village wants to learn, and their parents want a future for them. Quality education in this part of rural Kenya is scarce—but at Keneni Stars Academy, we are changing that, one child at a time.
"Every star deserves the chance to shine."