Our debate club once again proved that excellence is more than a motto; it’s a way of life.
On Saturday, 13th and Sunday, 14th June, our debaters proudly represented the Academy at the prestigious Mashujaa Debate Competition held at Strathmore University. Bringing together some of the country’s brightest young minds, the tournament celebrated critical thinking, persuasive speaking, leadership, and intellectual engagement. Against a highly competitive field, our six teams rose to the occasion, delivering remarkable performances that earned the Academy an impressive collection of trophies, medals, and individual accolades.
Leading the charge was Team A, made up of Sumeya Adan, Abigael Wanjiru, Janet Jepchumba, and Kelvin Mwendwa, who emerged as the Silver Category Champions, proudly lifting the Silver Cup. In an extraordinary achievement, all four team members were also recognised among the Top Four Best Debaters in their category, an indication of their exceptional mastery of debate.
Team B, comprising Morgan Khisa, Claire Risper, Zeinab Mohamed, and Jacklyne Wawira, demonstrated resilience and consistency throughout the tournament, advancing to become Plate Cup Semi-finalists.
In the senior division, Team C, Ryan Kaigi, Fatuma Jiele, Mercy Wanjiku, and Steve Ojiambo, showcased confidence, depth of analysis, and persuasive argumentation to emerge as the Challenge Cup Champions, adding yet another prestigious trophy to the Academy’s growing collection.
The Academy’s success did not end there. Team D, represented by Fidelis Wangari, Philister Wawuda, Seryan Uchi, and Michael Badaso, reached the Explorer Cup Semi-finals and earned a Semi-finalist Trophy. Team E, consisting of Recover Nekoye, Lucy Muli, Francis Ndegwa, and Alex Otieno, advanced to the Bronze Cup Semi-finals, while Team F, Eliud Gambo, Abigael Neema, Aaron Irungu, and Maxwell Obama, secured a place in the Development Cup Semi-finals. Both teams were recognised with Semi-finalist Trophies for their determination and teamwork.
Beyond the team accomplishments, several students received individual honours for their outstanding performances. Recover Nekoye, Alex Otieno, Francis Ndegwa, Zeinab Mohamed, and Morgan Khisa were recognised as Top Best Potential Speakers, highlighting their promise and future potential in the art of debate.
Meanwhile, Fatuma Jiele, Ryan Kaigi, and Kelvin Mwendwa earned Top Best Speaker medals for their eloquence, confidence, and exceptional communication skills. Lucy Muli and Claire Risper were also celebrated for ranking among the tournament’s best speakers, placing 30th and 38th, respectively.
Behind every trophy and medal were hours of preparation, countless practice sessions, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The Mashujaa Debate Competition was not only a platform to compete but also an opportunity for our students to grow as thinkers, leaders, and communicators.
As an Academy, we celebrate every debater who stepped onto the stage and represented M-PESA Foundation Academy with courage, discipline, and integrity. Their achievements remind us that when passion meets preparation, extraordinary things happen.
Congratulations to all our debaters for flying the Academy flag high. The future of debate at M-PESA Foundation Academy is undoubtedly bright.
By Ashley Cherop – Media Club
