MWALIMU MALATA BENSON: THE KISWAHILI TEACHER BEHIND SOME OF KENYA’S TOP PERFORMING SCHOOLS
Success is not an accident—it is the result of strategic guidance, knowledge, and preparation. Just as a solid foundation supports a towering structure, mentorship provides the bedrock upon which students build their academic and professional futures. Psalm 127:3 reminds us that children are a heritage from the Lord, a precious reward. Yet, as Hosea 4:6 cautions, lack of knowledge leads to downfall.
Mwalimu Malata Benson is a firm believer that students need mentorship to excel. Whether in academics, spirituality, or career development, they require wisdom, understanding, and discipline to thrive in today’s competitive world. Through his extensive experience and commitment, he has become a beacon of knowledge, transforming young minds and empowering future leaders.
“Do students and teachers need motivation Speakers? I believe they need mentors before motivational speakers. They need academic mentors to understand practical methodology on how to handle a challenging subject. They need Spiritual Mentors to help in acquiring the right values and virtues and lastly, they need career mentors to assist in solving the puzzle of career choices and pathways,” says Mwalimu Malata Benson
WHO IS MWALIMU MALATA BENSON?
Mwalimu Malata O.J. Benson is a distinguished educator and examiner of Kiswahili in secondary schools across Kenya. Born in Busia County, he pursued a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed. Arts) degree in Kiswahili and Geography at Moi University, Eldoret, graduating in 2007. His academic journey began at Malanga-Nambale Primary School (1989–1996) before advancing to Khasoko Boys High School in Bungoma County in 2000.
Mwalimu Malata has extensive experience in national KCSE language paper marking and has organized numerous workshops in Kiswahili and English for both teachers and students. He has also delivered Kiswahili lectures in various schools across Kenya and made significant contributions to Kiswahili through West TV and Radio Mambo.
Mwalimu Benson has taught at Mary Seat of Wisdom Bulimbo Girls (Kakamega), St. Mary’s Mumias Girls (Kakamega), Sheikh Ali (Mandera), Ngozi Girls High School (Kwale), and St. Peter’s Mumias Boys High School (Kakamega).
Mwalimu Benson has taught in several institutions, including Mary Seat of Wisdom Bulimbo Girls (Kakamega), St. Mary’s Mumias Girls (Kakamega), Sheikh Ali (Mandera), Ngozi Girls High School (Kwale), and St. Peter’s Mumias Boys High School (Kakamega). He currently serves as mentor of Kiswahili department at Musingu Boys High School, Kakamega.
Currently, Mwalimu Benson serves as:
- Mentor of Kiswahili Department at Musingu Boys High School – Kakamega
- Deputy Senior Master (Boarding) at Musingu Boys High School
- Renowned Kiswahili teacher and facilitator for both teachers and students
- Trainer for prefects and student leaders
- Motivational speaker at parents’, teachers’, and students’ forums
- Political opinion maker and adviser
- Author of Kiswahili books
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Academic Mentorship
Mwalimu Malata Benson has spearheaded mentorship programs in over 600 schools nationwide. His expertise spans various domains:
- Candidates’ Academic Therapy (CAT)
- Content mastery and retention techniques
- Effective revision strategies and study discipline
- Academic target setting and goal achievement
Kiswahili Facilitation
A recognized expert in Kiswahili education, he has trained students and teachers in 135 schools, enhancing language proficiency and examination performance.
Leadership Training
Mwalimu Benson has equipped student leaders in 18 schools with governance and leadership skills, ensuring effective administration and peer influence.
Teacher and Principal Training
He has conducted training sessions for principals at KESSHA and KEPSHA conferences and continues to mentor teachers across three sub-counties.
PUBLICATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Mwalimu Malata Benson is the author of several Kiswahili revision books, widely used in secondary education:
- Pepeto ya Insha kwa Shule za Sekondari – A research-backed guide that simplifies essay writing, ensuring students master the art of crafting high-quality compositions.
- Pepeto ya Fasihi Simulizi kwa Shule za Sekondari
- Pepeto ya Lugha kwa Shule za Sekondari
- Pepeto ya Isimujamii kwa Shule za Sekondari
- Riwaya ya Kisima – A captivating Kiswahili novel that enriches literature studies.
EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS
- Organizes subject contests for students since 2014.
- Hosts teachers’ subject workshops and seminars nationwide.
- Offers personalized mentorship at the family level, addressing academic discipline, study habits, career choices, and student discipline cases.
- Engages with organizations, schools, and principals to conduct mentorship and training sessions.

TOPICS COVERED IN MENTORSHIP SESSIONS
- Academic target setting
- Content retention techniques
- Content mastery strategies
- Academic success models
- Challenges in content retention
- Career choices and development
- Prefect leadership roles
- Teacher branding and rebranding
- Effective roles of DoS, Deputy Principals, and Class Teachers
- Student strike management and control
- Becoming an effective Principal or Head of Institution
KCSE KISWAHILI PERFORMANCE AT MUSINGU SCHOOL SINCE 2016; HE JOINED MUSINGU IN 2019
Year | Mean Score |
---|---|
2016 | 6.53 |
2017 | 5.08 |
2018 | 5.48 |
2019 | 6.67 |
2020 | 7.41 |
2021 | 7.73 |
2022 | 7.88 |
2023 | 8.38 |
2024 | 8.435 |
Over the years, numerous schools across various counties have benefited from Mwalimu Malata’s mentorship programs. These institutions have shown remarkable growth, excelling in both academics and personal development. Through dedicated guidance, they continue to thrive as centers of learning, inspiring future generations to achieve their full potential.
TOP 100 SCHOOLS MENTORED BY MWALIMU MALATA BENSON
1. Musingu High School – Kakamega County
2. Alliance High School National -Kiambu County
3. St. Joseph’s Boys National Kitale – Trans- Nzoia
4. St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale – Trans- Nzoia
5. Boma Boys – Trans- Nzoia
6. UG High- Uasin Gishu County

7. Turbo Girls – Uasin Gishu
8. Mpeketoni Boys National – Lamu County
9. Butula Boys National – Busia County
10. Butula Girls – Busia
11. St. Anne’s Bunyala Girls – Busia
12. Nyakhobi Sec- Busia
13. Mabunge AC- Busia
14. Fr. Okodoi- Busia
15. St. Peters Aterait Sec- Busia
16. Kisoko Girls – Busia
17. Nambale Boys – Busia
18. Katira Sec- Busia
19. Madende Sec- Busia
20. Lugulu AC- Busia
21. Buyosi Sec- Busia
22. Busiada Girls – Busia
23. St. Peters Boys Mumias – Kakamega
24. Munami Sec- Kakamega
25. Koyonzo Boys Kakamega
26. Bulimbo Girls – Kakamega
27. Kivaywa Boys – Kakamega
28. Bukhaywa Sec- Kakamega
29. Namagara Sec- Kakamega
30. Imbale High School – Kakamega
31. Bushiangala Sec- Kakamega
32. Shikunga Secondary – Kakamega
33. Eregi Girls – Kakamega
34. Shipalo Sec – Kakamega
35. Mabole Boys – Kakamega
36. Mukumu Girls – Kakamega
37. Mukumu Boys – Kakamega
38. Shibuye Girls – Kakamega
39. Indangalasia Sec- Kakamega

40. Shikondi Girls – Kakamega
41. Bishop Sulumeti Girls – Kakamega
42. Sidikho Sec- Kakamega
43. St. Kizito Lusumu
44. Muhudu Sec- Vihiga
45. Goibei Girls – Vihiga
46. Idavaga Muslim – Vihiga
47. St. Anne’s Buyangu- Vihiga
48. Kibuk Girls – Bungoma
49. Teremi High- Bungoma
50. Chebukaka Girls – Bungoma
51. Mwibale Sec- Bungoma
52. St. Mathews ACK Webuye- Bungoma
53. St. Barnabas Girls – Kisumu
54. Gituru Boys – Murang’a county
55. Machakos Girls – Machakos county
56. Kisasi Boys – Kitui
57. Dr. Aggrey – Taita Taveta
58. Taru Boys- Kwale
59. Taru Girls – Kwale
60. Mwavumbo Sec- Kwale
61. Mazeras Boys- Kwale
62. Mazeras Girls – Kwale
63. Ngozi Girls – Kwale
64. Waa Boys – Kwale
65. Waa Girls – Kwale
66. Kaya-Tiwi Sec- Kwale
67. Mwana Mbeyu Girls – Kwale
68. Kinango Boys – Kwale
69. Mama Ngina Girls National – Mombasa
70. Maweni Sec- Mombasa
71. Light Academy – Mombasa
72. St. John’s Girls Kaloleni- Kilifi
73. Dr. Krapf Boys – Kilifi
74. St. Thomas Girls – Kilifi
75. Kwale Girls – Kwale
76. Kwale Boys National – Kwale
77. Mbitini Girls – Kitui
78. Malindi Boys- Kilifi
77. Lala Secondary – Homabay
78. Nyambaria Boys National – Nyamira
79. Malanga secondary – Busia
80. Ruchu Girls – Murang’a
81. Macknon Secondary – Kwale
82. Moi Girls Vokoli – Vihiga
83. Bulupi Sec- Kakamega
84. Nambale Urban – Busia
85. Mwakirunge- Mombasa
86. Lukore Sec – Kwale
87. Kombeni Girls – Kilifi
88. Chesamis Boys – Bungoma
89. Hassan Joho Sec- Mombasa
90. St. Elizabeth Likuyani- Kakamega
91. Mwihila Boys – Kakamega
92. Muslim Girls – Kakamega
93. St. Peters Seminary – Mukumu
94. Lirhembe Girls – Kakamega
95. Kahuhia Girls – Murang’a
96. Sheikh Ali Boys- Mandera
97. Musanda Sec- Kakamega
98. Kingandole Sec- Busia
99. Lwanda Secondary – Kakamega
100. Samburu Sec- Kwale
Mwalimu Malata Benson remains a dedicated educator, mentor, and leader, continually striving to shape students’ academic and professional success.
Contact Information:
Phone: 0728701795 / 0736580530
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

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