By Cecilia Muthoni
Ayen Mamer of Grade 6 Purple has been elected president of Roots Academy after winning the school’s 2026 student leadership elections, a process monitored by officials from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
School administrators said the elections reflect the practical focus of the Competency Based Education (CBE) system, which emphasizes hands-on learning in leadership, decision-making and civic responsibility.
The polls were conducted at the Nakuru-based school using a structure modeled on Kenya’s national electoral system. IEBC officials, working alongside teachers as returning officers and clerks, oversaw the exercise. Candidates were given a week to campaign.
Unlike many schools where leaders are appointed, Roots Academy allows learners to choose their representatives. Students campaigned openly, presented manifestos and earned leadership positions through a peer-driven vote.
Deputy Headteacher Lawrence Ongoro said the process was deliberate and educational. He said involving teachers as election officials helps bridge the gap between adults and learners, while ensuring credibility.
“As they vote, they are taught how to vote, when to vote and how to make informed choices,” Ongoro said, adding that the approach instills responsibility early.
Students contested various posts, including president, deputy president, class governors, dormitory captains, games captains, dining hall captains and bell ringer representatives.
IEBC returning officer Philip Netia said the aim was to expose learners to democratic practice. He said the elections were conducted strictly under IEBC rules to help students understand how free and fair polls are run.
The IEBC team also conducted civic education, guiding both candidates and voters through the process and allowing sufficient time for campaigns.
Netia said introducing learners to unbiased elections at an early age helps them grow with a clear understanding of democracy, preparing them to become informed voters later in life.
Education experts say such school-based elections support CBE goals by strengthening citizenship, communication skills and social responsibility through practical participation.
For students, the exercise turned leadership from theory into lived experience, giving them a sense of choice, accountability and ownership.
President-elect Ayen thanked the IEBC and the school administration, saying Roots Academy offers equal leadership opportunities.
“I ask for cooperation so we work as one Roots family,” she told fellow students, urging respect for teachers and dormitory matrons.
Deputy president-elect Trevor Maxwell also thanked the administration and voters, and encouraged parents to consider enrolling their children at the school.
He said the transparent process boosted learners’ confidence and sense of ownership, adding that he would lead by example.
The school said the elections will be followed by structured leadership mentoring to help elected students apply the lessons in daily school life.