In the quiet corridors of St Teresa Yala Girls School in Siaya County, Abisai Immaculee Floridah is known for her focus. But on Thursday at the Nation Centre in Nairobi, her name rang out for a different reason: she is the face of Kenya’s next generation of thinkers.

Floridah stood beaming next to Nation Media Group (NMG) Editor-in-Chief Joe Ageyo, clutching a dummy cheque that represents more than just a win—it represents a semester, perhaps a year, of uninterrupted education. She is one of 12 students who emerged victorious in the 2025 National Essay and Insha Writing Competition, walking away with a share of the Sh600,000 prize purse destined directly for their school fees.

The ceremony, held on December 4, was a celebration of intellectual grit. In an era where artificial intelligence and social media snippets threaten to erode deep literacy, these students demonstrated the enduring power of the written word.

A Lifeline for Parents

For the 12 winners—six from primary and junior schools, and six from secondary schools—the prize is tangible. Each student received a Sh50,000 school fee voucher. In a country where the cost of secondary education can strain the average household budget, this award is a significant economic relief.

"This initiative is about more than just grammar," noted a visibly proud parent at the event. "It puts food on the table by taking the burden of fees off our shoulders, allowing us to channel resources elsewhere."

The competition, spearheaded by NMG’s Daily Nation and Taifa Leo brands, also recognized the unsung heroes of the classroom. Teachers who mentored the winning students were awarded Sh10,000 each, bringing the total prize money to Sh720,000.

Beyond the Classroom

NMG Editor-in-Chief Joe Ageyo emphasized that the competition aims to foster critical thinking, not just rote memorization. Addressing the learners, teachers, and education leaders gathered at the twin towers, Ageyo highlighted the media house's role in shaping the national consciousness.

• The Scope: The contest covered English essays (via Daily Nation) and Kiswahili Insha (via Taifa Leo).
• The Reach: Participants were drawn from both public and private schools across the country, leveling the playing field for talent.
• The Goal: To nurture linguistic mastery and research skills in young Kenyans.

"Society is shaped by the ideas we drive through writing," Ageyo remarked, challenging the students to use their skills to influence their communities positively.

A Tradition of Excellence

The 2025 edition builds on a legacy of literacy advocacy. Launched as part of the Newspapers in Education (NiE) program, the initiative has consistently unearthed gems from rural and urban Kenya alike. While previous years saw winners from counties like Kericho and Nyahururu, this year’s spotlight on Siaya’s Abisai Immaculee Floridah underscores the depth of talent hidden in Kenya's counties.

As the ceremony concluded, the message was clear: in the marketplace of ideas, clarity, creativity, and command of language remain the most valuable currency a young Kenyan can possess.