When Moses Marete joined Bishop Lawi Imathiu Secondary School as the founding Principal 20 years ago, there was nothing much to show.
Located at Kithoka, along the Meru-Ruiri road, the secondary school started inside Bishop Lawi Imathiu Primary school with two teachers and about 30 learners in 2003.
But today, the mixed day secondary school, popularly known as BLISS, now boasts having some of the best educational infrastructure in the region.
Speaking during his retirement farewell party, Marete recounted how the dream to establish a secondary school from scratch transformed into a reality.
Bliss is the only secondary school in the region with a 1,000 seater multipurpose hall, well equipped science labs, a serene learning environment, reliable internet, a leading brass band and sufficient classrooms for girls and boys.
It is also among the few day secondary schools in the region that will offer three pathways for senior secondary learners.
Leaders, parents, former students and teachers celebrated Marete as a visionary leader who helped transform the empty land into a leading learning institution.
Bishop Lawi Imathiu, the founder and patron of the school, said Marete had done a lot of work to build the institution.
“We are very grateful to God for Marete. He has done a lot of work from helping in registering the school to establishing it and managing it for 20 years. We are very thankful as a community,” Bishop Imathiu said.
Marete’s daughter Joan Gakii said her father’s retirement is not just the end of his professional journey but a celebration of the years of hard work.
“Growing up, I saw firsthand just how seriously dad took his role…He used to go look for students who had left school and place them back in class. Building a school community of over 700 students is not a small feat. It took vision, patience, resilience, and so much time,” Gakii said.
Lilian Kiambi, the dean of studies at BLISS said Marete’s leadership over the years has made the school stand out among its peers.
“His leadership has been exceptional and the incoming principal has big shoes to fill. This is why when we applied to be considered to offer three pathways in senior school, the ministry approved. Bishop Lawi Secondary will be among the few senior schools offering STEM, Social Sciences, Arts and Sports,” she said.
Marete said out of his 35 years teaching career, 20 years have been spent at Bishop Lawi Secondary School.
“I thank God for my good health, strength and wisdom throughout the 35 years of service as a teacher. Through the highs and the lows, the milestones and the challenges, God has been my constant guide and sustainer.
Today marks the end of an unforgettable chapter in my life, a chapter that began with hope and determination, and has ended with fulfillment and joy,” Marete said.
He said the dream to establish a secondary more than 20 years ago has since blossomed into a modern day school.
“The school is equipped with world-class science laboratories, the largest dining hall in the Upper Eastern Region, and high-speed internet across the compound. This tremendous progress has not been my doing alone, but with many people that we have walked this journey together,” he said.
Marete lauded the school’s American partners who had sponsored several learners and supported the infrastructure development at the school.
The school has been receiving support from First United Methodist Church in America Michigan-Kenya group, and Kenya Urithi Education Fund over the years.
