Nominated Senator Esther “Essy” Okenyuri drew attention at the Kenya High School Prize-Giving Day after arriving dressed in the school’s uniform, a gesture that quickly sparked conversation among students, parents and social media users.
The event, held in Nairobi on June 4, brought together learners, teachers, alumni and education leaders to celebrate academic excellence and student achievement. Okenyuri, an alumna of the institution, attended as the chief guest and used the occasion to encourage learners to remain focused on their studies and future ambitions.
Essy Okenyuri // X
Photos and videos shared online showed the senator wearing the iconic Kenya High School uniform, a symbolic return to the institution where she studied between 2006 and 2009 before joining university.
The gesture was widely interpreted as a tribute to her former school and a reminder of the role education played in shaping her journey.
“Once a student of Kenya High, always a student of Kenya High,” was the message many observers associated with her appearance at the event.
Celebrating academic excellence
The annual prize-giving ceremony recognised top-performing students in academics, leadership, sports and co-curricular activities. Learners who excelled throughout the year received awards in front of fellow students, teachers and invited guests.
During her address, Okenyuri urged students to embrace discipline, resilience and hard work, describing education as one of the most powerful tools for personal transformation and national development.
The event was also attended by Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, who has recently been leading discussions on student welfare, school safety and academic performance across the country.
“Hard work, resilience and education remain powerful tools for success,” Okenyuri told the students.
A familiar tradition
For Okenyuri, wearing a school uniform at educational events is not entirely new. In 2024, she similarly donned the uniform of Mosensema Mixed Secondary School during a visit where she donated books and encouraged students to embrace reading and learning.
Her return to Kenya High carried additional significance because of her personal connection to the school. According to public records, she is among the institution’s notable alumni and has often spoken about the impact education has had on her life and career.
As students celebrated their achievements, Okenyuri’s unexpected return to school attire provided one of the day’s most memorable moments.
Essy Okenyuri // X
For many learners in attendance, the image of a national leader proudly wearing her former school uniform served as a reminder that success often begins in the classroom.
