A secondary school principal in Kisumu County has achieved a rare academic milestone after earning a doctorate in applied mathematics while leading his school to its strongest performance in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
Dr George Opiyo Nyangwe, the chief principal of Dr Aloo Gumbi Secondary School, graduated with a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
At the same time, the school emerged as the top performer in Kisumu East Sub-county in the 2025 KCSE examinations.
The school recorded its best results since it was established, with 50 of the 127 candidates attaining the grades required for admission to public universities.
The class was the first cohort Dr Nyangwe admitted after taking over the school’s leadership four years ago following his transfer from Sango Buru Secondary School in Nyakach.
His doctoral research focused on developing equations for wave propagation arising from the collapse of shafts in power transmission systems.
The study examines how mechanical systems behave under stress or structural failure, contributing to knowledge in applied mathematics and engineering.
Beyond his role as a school principal, Dr Nyangwe serves as the chairperson of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) in Kisumu County and the Nyanza Region.
He also holds a master’s degree in applied mathematics.
Born in Ramogi Village in Nyakach Sub-county, Dr Nyangwe attended local primary schools before joining Ringa Boys High School in Homa Bay County for his Ordinary Level education.
He later studied at Nyabondo High School for his Advanced Level studies before earning a Diploma in Education and subsequently a Bachelor of Education degree from Moi University.
Throughout his teaching career, he continued his studies while serving in various schools, steadily advancing his academic qualifications.
Dr Nyangwe attributes his passion for mathematics to an inspiring teacher at Ringa Boys High School, saying the tutor made the subject accessible through simple teaching methods.
He rejects the common belief that mathematics is inherently difficult.
“Mathematics is one of the easiest subjects to learn if students practise consistently and avoid laziness,” he said.
He encouraged learners to approach the subject with confidence and discipline.
His enthusiasm for mathematics has also influenced his family. He says all of his children have excelled in the subject.
Following the completion of his doctorate, Dr Nyangwe says he plans to strengthen his academic writing skills, particularly in report and thesis writing.
While he has not ruled out pursuing a professorship in the future, he says his immediate focus is on improving his research and supporting academic excellence in schools.
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