Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka joins students of the Kyuso Girls' in a Jinx during the Official renaming of the school to Mama Pauline Kalonzo Girls' - Kyuso on February 14, 2026. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
The quiet town of Kyuso in Mwingi came alive with celebration, pride, and renewed hope after Kyuso Girls Secondary School was officially renamed Mama Pauline Kalonzo Girls’ – Kyuso, marking a major milestone in the community’s commitment to girl child education.
The colourful ceremony was officiated by Makueni County Women Representative Rose Museo, who described the renaming as a lasting tribute to the quiet but powerful influence of Pauline Kalonzo Musyoka in shaping moral leadership and nurturing education across Kenya.
Museo praised Mama Pauline’s enduring influence, stating that her legacy extends beyond recognition and into shaping the moral direction of future generations.
“By giving her name to this school, we enshrine her legacy, her courage, her values, and her service into the moral DNA of generations yet unborn,” said Museo.
She noted that Mama Pauline’s role in leadership has been deeply influential despite her preference to operate away from public attention.
“She stands not in the glare of the limelight, yet her influence shines brighter than any headline. True influence is exercised in quiet guidance, unwavering loyalty, and principled restraint,” she added.
Museo further highlighted Mama Pauline’s role in supporting her husband, Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, describing him as a leader shaped by patience, dialogue, and national unity.
“No leader of substance walks alone. Behind every enduring vision stands a woman whose steadiness gives the nation its anchor,” she said.
Addressing the gathering, Kalonzo Musyoka described the honour bestowed upon his family as deeply personal and reflective of the power of community-driven transformation through education.
“Education is not a privilege for the fortunate few; it is the birthright of every Kenyan child,” Kalonzo said.
He reflected on his humble upbringing, noting that limited access to education in rural communities shaped his lifelong advocacy for equal learning opportunities.
“I come from communities where books were treasures shared among many and where every educated child carried a village’s collective dream,” he told the audience.
Kalonzo commended the Kyuso community for prioritizing education, emphasizing that meaningful change begins when families take collective responsibility for children’s futures.
“When a village decides that every girl will complete her education and when families refuse to let poverty dictate a child’s destiny, that is when transformation truly begins,” he said.
In an emotional tribute to his wife, Kalonzo described the renaming as recognition of decades of selfless service dedicated to empowering girls through education.
“Your quiet strength, unwavering belief in educating the girl child, and tireless advocacy are the foundations upon which this legacy stands,” he said, addressing Mama Pauline.
“This school now bears your name because you earned it through decades of selfless service,” he added.
Kalonzo further described the institution as a symbol of continuity between generations and a reminder of the responsibility to protect education opportunities for all children.
“Mama Pauline Kalonzo Girls – Kyuso now stands not merely as a school, but as a covenant between generations that we will fight for quality education and ensure no child is left behind,” he stated.
Museo challenged students to view the school’s new name as a daily reminder of the values expected of future leaders.
“This name will meet you every morning and ask you: Can you succeed without surrendering integrity? Can you love Kenya beyond tribe, anger, and self-interest?” she posed.
She emphasized that education must go hand in hand with character development, warning that academic success without values cannot sustain a stable society.
“Education trains the mind, but character guards the nation. Hold them together, and the future of the republic will be secure,” she said.
Religious and education leaders present echoed her sentiments, urging students to pursue knowledge guided by moral wisdom and discipline.
Residents of Kyuso expressed pride in the renaming, describing it as a reflection of their shared belief in education as the most powerful tool for fighting poverty, inequality, and hopelessness.
The ceremony also underscored the role of communities in shaping national development through education, with leaders calling on families to remain actively involved in supporting learning institutions.
