Mombasa, Kenya| Serani Comprehensive School, one of Mombasa’s oldest and historically prestigious public secondary schools, has officially reopened its doors after a multi-million-shilling makeover funded by the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) for Mvita Constituency.
The revamped institution in Old Town Ward, Mvita Sub-County, now features modern infrastructure designed to reverse years of infrastructural decay and falling academic performance, signaling a determined push to return Serani to its former status as one of Coast region’s top-performing schools.
A Complete Transformation: What the Renovation Delivered
The extensive upgrade, fully financed through NG-CDF under Mvita MP Mohammed Macheleji Machele, includes:
- 10 fully refurbished classrooms with terrazzo flooring, new roofing, ceilings, and complete electrical rewiring
- Fresh interior and exterior painting
- Cabro paving in the compound for better drainage and aesthetics
- Supply of 180 student lockers and chairs (30 sets per classroom)
- Refurbishment of a classroom block now capable of hosting two streams each for Grades 7, 8, and 9
- Planned conversion of two existing halls into fully equipped science laboratories (proposal already submitted for the current financial year)
Speaking at the colourful reopening ceremony attended by parents, teachers, county and national government officials, MP Machele expressed pride in the visible progress while stressing that infrastructure alone will not restore excellence.
“We have done the hardware. Now we need the software—discipline, hard work, and collective responsibility from parents, teachers, and students,” he said.
Leaders Issue Strong Appeal to Parents
Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya challenged parents to play a more active role in turning around the school’s fortunes, reminding the gathering that Serani was once among the county’s academic giants.
“I schooled not far from here, and in our time Serani was untouchable,” Thoya said. “I don’t understand why its performance has dropped to this level. Parents, you have the biggest responsibility. Your active involvement is non-negotiable if we are to bring this great school back to where it belongs.”
Thoya announced that Governor Abdulswamad Nassir’s administration will construct a modern playground to support both academic and co-curricular activities and the overall well-being of learners.
He also pledged continued partnership with the area MP to equip Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres with adequate teaching and learning materials.
On security, the Deputy Governor assured parents that the county is collaborating closely with the office of the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) to implement robust measures around the school precincts.
Crackdown on Substandard Private Schools Looming
In a stern warning that resonated with many parents, MP Machele revealed that private schools operating below minimum standards—particularly those converting residential bedrooms into classrooms—face closure by January 2026.
“We will never stop any parent from choosing a private school for their child, but we will not allow mushrooming institutions that endanger our children’s future,” he declared. “By January, any school without proper facilities, qualified teachers, and a safe learning environment will be shut down. Quality education is not negotiable.”
Security and Regular School Attendance Emphasised
Mvita Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Kalume Kashuru commended the political leadership for the infrastructure investment but shifted focus to parental duty.
“The MP has delivered modern classrooms. The county is bringing a playground and security. Now parents must deliver the children to school—every day, on time,” Kashuru stated.
He reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security around all learning institutions through joint patrols and community policing initiatives.
A Shared Vision for Serani’s Revival
With 280 learners currently enrolled (including junior secondary), school principal and teachers expressed optimism that the combination of upgraded facilities, political goodwill, enhanced security, and—crucially—renewed parental engagement will propel Serani back into the list of Mombasa’s academic powerhouses.
As one parent remarked after touring the sparkling new classrooms, “These facilities shame many private schools in Mombasa. If we all play our part, Serani will be number one again.”
The reopening of Serani Comprehensive School stands as a powerful reminder that restoring excellence in public education demands more than bricks and mortar—it requires unwavering community commitment from leaders, parents, teachers, and students alike.
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