Success Stories from Makini School Alumni

Inspiring Journeys of Makini Alumni Making a Difference Worldwide

Makini School is proud to have been home to learners who have gone on to build impactful careers and have made significant community contributions. With our long-standing mission to nurture future leaders, we pride ourselves on fostering a foundation of academic excellence, critical thinking and developing character. In this article, we will highlight some of our alumni and their success stories.

The Makini Advantage - Preparing Students for Success

Makini School’s approach to education puts emphasis on the holistic development of each of our learners. This includes academic excellence, leadership, creativity and community service. With a quality curriculum that’s designed to inspire critical thinking, learners gain essential life skills and foster a sense of responsibility. This well-rounded education prepares Makini alumni for success across various fields, contributing to their academic, career and community achievements.

Academic Achievements and Higher Education Success

Alumni Pursuing Excellence in Universities

There have been many Makini School alumni who have made their mark in renowned universities in Kenya and across the world:

· Sandra Kimokoti (class of 2006) is a Graduate of Biology from Brown University in the United States.

· Hilda Kaguma (class of 2006) pursued her Masters in Digital Media at Victoria University, Melbourne Australia.

· Natalie Wanjiru alias Tewa (class of 2007) is an Architectural Engineering graduate from the University of Leeds in the UK.

· Dr. Josephine Muiru (class of 1998) is a Medical Science Liaison in Oncology in East Africa. She studied to be a Medical Doctor at the University of Nairobi and holds an MBA in Healthcare Management from Strathmore University.

Success in Competitive Exams and Scholarships

At Makini School, our Child Centered Learning approach empowers students to take charge of their educational journey. Guided by teachers who act as facilitators and mentors, this method ensures that lessons are personalised to each learner’s interests and needs, making learning engaging, meaningful, and relevant. Complementing this, our Pastoral Care programs create a supportive and nurturing environment, fostering strong relationships between students and teachers. This encourages learners to confidently share their questions, concerns, and ideas, building a foundation of trust and open communication.

Dasha Asienga is a shining example of the impact of our learning programs. She graduated from Makini School in 2015 as one of our top learners. Thereafter, she joined Kenya High School for Form One and went on to receive a full scholarship through the Gakio-Walton Scholars Program. Dasha graduated with honors from Amherst College in Massachusetts with a degree in mathematics and statistics. She was also the first-place winner of Amherst College's annual Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition in 2024. Dasha has now secured a coveted job as a Business Intelligence Engineer at Amazon.

Career Highlights - Makini Alumni Making a Mark

● Entrepreneurs and Innovators

There are many accomplishments of Makini graduates. Some alumni have ventured into entrepreneurship, founding business and driving innovative projects across various sectors. As our school emphasises creativity and problem-solving, this has helped them become successful.

Andrew Kámunyû who completed his time at Makini School in 1998, is a successful photographer and the founder of Kybe Photography. He creates timeless memories for those he works with. After graduating in 2007, Natalie Tewa went on to become a top performing YouTuber with over 113 000 subscribers. From exercise to lifestyle, hair and beauty, Natalie is a fast rising creative that’s leaving her mark on the world.

● Professionals in Various Fields

From doctors and lawyers to engineers and artists, Makini School Kenya alumni have achieved in a wide range of professional careers. These successful individuals attribute their strong ethical foundation, critical thinking skills and leadership abilities to their time at Makini school.

Natalie Tewa says that Makini School really shaped her for her future. David Mutua, class of 2002, is a Communications specialist. He credits our school to having exposed him to his first career passion – computers. Wangechi, from the class of 2007, is an award-winning rapper in Kenya. She says that her dream of becoming a singer was born when she first performed at Makini school.

Alumni Impacting the Community and Beyond

● Social Entrepreneurs and Community Leaders

Makini alumi have taken on influential roles in their communities, leading non-profits, educational programs and community upliftment. Their dedication to social causes is a testament to the school’s focus on character development and social responsibility.

One remarkable alumni is Dr. Samuel Mbunya, a dedicated healthcare advocate who champions the needs of patients with blood disorders. Through his efforts, he has made a meaningful and lasting impact on his community, transforming lives and advancing care.

● Global Citizens and Changemakers

Many Makini School alumni are making a difference on a global scale. They are embodying the school’s mission of nurturing well-rounded individuals who contribute to a better world.

Quentin Amendi completed his school education in 2011. He says: “I am so grateful for the time I was in Makini and for the amazing faculty that are continuing to do excellent work. To live and study in such a creative, interdisciplinary atmosphere for years was life-changing.” Quentin graduated from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Australia where he majored in Bachelor of Applied Science (Aviation). Today, he works for Convenience Advertising in Melbourne, Australia.

Words of Wisdom from Makini Alumni

Makini alumni often look back on the profound impact of their time at our school.

“My Best Makini Memory was playing soccer on Wednesday afternoons at games time. The Makini curriculum encouraged participation in extra-curricular activities such as sports and music.” - Dr. Nchafatso Gikenya Obonyo

“Makini is truly one of the best schools in the world and I loved being there and learning and growing both academically, spiritually and socially.” - Hilda Kaguma

The achievements of Makini School alumni are testament to the commitment of the school to the future success of its learners. For prospective learners and parents, these stories are an inspiriting reminder of the benefits of a Makini School education. If you would like to learn more about the programs on offer, please visit our website.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Building Executive Function Skills in Primary School Children

February 10, 2026

Executive function skills are the mental processes that help children plan, focus, remember instructions and manage their behaviour. These skills act as the brain’s “control system,” guiding how children think, learn and interact with others. In primary school, strong executive function supports academic success as well as emotional maturity, independence and positive social behaviour. For parents and educators alike, understanding how these skills develop is critical to supporting child brain development in meaningful, practical ways. What Are Executive Function Skills? Executive function skills are commonly grouped into three core areas: 1. Working memory: This is the ability to hold and use information. For example, remembering multi-step instructions. 2. Cognitive flexibility. This is the ability to adapt, shift thinking and try new approaches. 3. Inhibitory control: This is the ability to pause, resist impulses and regulate behaviour. When a child remembers their homework, switches from maths to reading and waits their turn to speak, they are using executive functioning in kids in everyday situations. These skills develop gradually and are shaped by experience, guidance and environment. This is especially true during early and primary years. Read more on why early development is important. Why Executive Function Skills Matter in Primary School In school settings, executive skills directly affect learning as well as behaviour. · Working memory in children helps them to follow lessons · Self-regulation skills for students assists in managing emotions · Improving attention in school children is essential during tasks · Impulse control in classrooms helps to reduce disruptions Learners with strong executive functioning are better able to complete tasks, organise their work, manage frustration and collaborate with their peers. These skills also support independence and help children take responsibility for routines, deadlines and their personal behaviour. Key Challenges Children Might Face Some common signs of underdeveloped executive skills include: · Forgetting instructions or losing items · Struggling to switch between different tasks · Acting impulsively or interrupting the class · Difficulty managing emotions · Poor time awareness These challenges don’t mean that a child is lazy or incapable. They often reflect developing brain systems that simply need a little guidance and practice. How Parents Can Support Executive Function at Home Parents play a powerful role in shaping executive function. Simple daily strategies can be incorporated into their day to strengthen these skills naturally. Some helpful approaches include: 1. Create Structured Routines Consistent daily routines help children predict what comes next, strengthening organisation as well as emotional regulation. 2. Use Visual Schedules Charts or picture schedules support working memory in children by making expectations visible. 3. Play Memory and Focus Games Try matching card games, Simon Says, puzzles and sequencing games. These support attention, recall and flexible thinking. 4. Encourage Problem-Solving Let children help with cooking steps, packing school bags and planning simple outings. This builds independence and cognitive flexibility in primary education. When there is strong parental engagement, there is a direct impact on executive growth. Discover more on the impact of parental involvement . Classroom Strategies for Teachers Teachers are ideally positioned to reinforce executive skills on a daily basis. Some effective classroom strategies include: 1. Task chunking - Break assignments into smaller steps to reduce cognitive overload. 2. Use of timers and checklists – These are known to improve time awareness and self-regulation skills for students. 3. Positive Reinforcement - Praise effort, strategy and reflection, not just the outcomes. 4. Mindfulness and calm-down techniques - Simple breathing, quiet corners or reflection time can help strengthen emotional control and attention. These strategies are especially valuable in supporting impulse control in classrooms and improving overall learning flow. When to Seek Extra Help If challenges persist despite consistent support, children may benefit from professional assessment. Some signs for parents and educators to watch for include: · Chronic forgetfulness · Extreme impulsivity · Emotional dysregulation · Difficulty following basic routines Educational psychologists or SEN specialists can help identify neurodivergent patterns (such as ADHD) and guide tailored interventions. Early support ensures children build confidence rather than frustration. Encouraging Growth Through Play and Daily Practice Play is one of the most powerful tools for executive development. Activities that build executive function include: · Storytelling and role-play · Group games - Consider turn-taking or rule-based games · Pretend shops or restaurants · Reflection discussions about feelings or decisions These experiences strengthen executive functioning in kids in a natural and pressure-free way. Schools that prioritise early holistic learning , such as in strong preschool systems, give children a strong base for future academic success. Conclusion: Building Brains for Life Executive function skills are not fixed traits. They are trainable abilities that grow through consistent support, practice and patience. From working memory to impulse control, these skills shape how children learn, behave and relate to others. At Makini School we aim to create a supportive environment where our educators can nurture strong thinkers, confident learners and emotionally resilient students, building not just academic success, but lifelong capability. FAQs 1. What are the three main executive function skills in children? Working memory, cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control. 2. How can I tell if my child has weak executive functioning? Frequent forgetfulness, impulsivity, emotional difficulty and poor organisation are common signs. 3. What are fun activities to boost executive function in young children? Memory games, storytelling, puzzles, role-play and routine-based tasks. 4. How do executive function skills affect learning in school? They support focus, task completion, emotional control and classroom behaviour. 5. Can executive function skills be improved over time? Yes. With regular practice and supportive environments, executive skills develop steadily throughout childhood.