Bunyore Girls High School, located in Emuhaya, Vihiga County, holds a unique place in Kenya’s educational history. Established in 1905 by Cramers Missionaries from South Africa, the school was initially founded as a commercial training center. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the leading academic institutions in Western Kenya, renowned for its outstanding academic achievements and its role in shaping the lives of many accomplished women.
Early History and Evolution of Bunyore Girls High School
The school’s early mission was to provide religious and practical education to young girls. The curriculum included religion, arithmetic, English, vernacular, and needlework. Girls lived together as Christians and were encouraged to teach Sunday school in neighboring villages. As it gained prominence, the curriculum expanded to include cookery and Kiswahili, reflecting its growth and commitment to providing a well-rounded education.
By 1944, Bunyore Girls had become a fully-fledged primary and intermediate school. It briefly incorporated a nearby boys’ school, which later relocated to form Kima Primary School in 1952. The girls remained, and the institution developed into today’s Bunyore Girls High School.
The Cramers Missionaries from South Africa visualized Kima Mission (founded in 1905) as a commercial training centre for girls who would be taught to live together as Christians and then go to nearby villages to teach Sunday School (Isanda). In 1930, the Ludwigs (American) set up Kima Girls School under Church of God management.
There were 12 students and 3 teachers. The headmistress was Mrs. Ludwig. Only two classes operated – stand ard 1 and 2 and subjects taught were Religious Instructions, Arithmetic, Vernacular, Needlework, English etc. Mrs. Ludwig stressed needlework and the school excelled in this in the whole country. Because of this together with good Christian based discipline, Kima Girls became highly valued for wives throughout Kenya.
In 1936, the school had grown up to class 5, and there were 30 girls. Cookery and Kiswahili were added to the curriculum. A boys’ school was operating adjacently. In 1944, the school was a fully fledged primary and intermediate school with classes up to standard 8, each with about 25 girls. Some teachers were shared with the boys’ school close by.
The first K.A.P.E. (Kenya African Preliminary Examination) was done at Kaimosi, for lack of facilities. In 1945, this was rectified. In 1946, the boys’ school was shifted to Ingotse for lack of room. Mrs. LaFont became headmistress.
In 1951, Mrs. Browlier and Miss Schneider relieved Mrs. LaFont who was on leave. In 1952, Mrs. LaFont moved standard 1-4 to the present Kima Primary School, while Bunyore Girls’ High School remained the intermediate classes 5-8. Because it was an outstanding school, conditions for entry were tougher and in addition to the C.E.E. (Common Entrance Examination), a special interview was necessary. Consequently, passes at Kenya African Preliminary Examination (K.A.P.E.) were high and numerous. At this time the school had an enrollment of 35 pupils per class. The school continued to enjoy the reputation of best Domestic Science results and best behaved and qualified girls.
In 1964, the first Form 1 class arrived and the last standard 5 selection was done. In total there were 105 primary school girls and 25 in Form 1. This last primary class left three years later as Certificate of Primary Education (C.P.E.) was now in standard 7.
In 1967, the school attained a full Four-year course with single streams and the first Cambridge Local Examinations (C.L.E.) was done with 20 entries. Rev. Rebecca Litunya was the head girl in that year. The school results in K.P.E. were quite good having 100% passes in the years of 1950, 1953, 1955, 1956 and 1964.
The first Form 4 Class of Bunyore Girls’ School which was in 1967 had a candidature of 21 girls. Their results in the Cambridge Local Examination were quite impressive i.e. Division I – 2 ( Priscilla Obwogo, later Mrs. Priscilla Were, the former Principal of the school with Grade Aggregate of 22 and Ellen Harun with Grade Aggregate of 21), Division II – 3, Division III – 11, G.C.E. – 3 and Fail – 2. The school had a pass of 90.5% in that examination.
In 1968, the Church of God management handed over Bunyore Girls’ School to the Ministry of Education. Miss. Bannister replaced Mrs. LaFont as headmistress. The school had a total of 180 students i.e. Form1 – 74, Form2 – 37, Form3 – 36 and Form4 – 33. In 1969 a second stream was introduced. Mrs. Hellen Omoka became the first African headmistress. There were about 40 students per class.
In 1970, Miss. Rose Oduol replaced Mrs. Omoka. So she too gave way to Miss. Patriciah Ododa in 1971. In 1972, Miss. Ododa handed over to Miss. Jessica Ngoya. In 1974, Mrs. Priscilla Were took over from Miss. Ngoya. Mrs. Were handed over the mantle to Mrs. Irene Aderi in 1991, who served shortly before handing over to the late Mrs. Ketry Mbai in 1992. Mrs. Mbai handed over to Mrs. Esther Achiko Muhanji in 1996. In January 2008, upon her retirement, Mrs. Esther Muhanji handed over the school to Mrs. Rose Wayeta Waswa Shitsama. Before she became the Principal of Bunyore Girls’ High School, Miss. Waswa had been a teacher in this school.
The Principal is Mrs. Rose W.W. Shitsama. We have two deputies, Ms. Pamela Luhyakha (Deputy Principal in charge of Administration) and Mr. Ronald Ombeva Kihamba (Deputy Principal in charge of Academics).
A School Valued for Wives
Bunyore Girls earned a reputation as a “highly valued school for wives” nationwide, owing to its emphasis on practical life skills, character building, and Christian values. It became a preferred institution for grooming young women for leadership and societal roles.
Leadership and Growth
The school’s growth was steered by dedicated principals, including Priscilla Were, who served as the principal for 17 years beginning in 1974. Under her leadership, Bunyore Girls flourished, producing reputable science results and earning its place as an academic giant in Vihiga County. Today, the school has a population of over 1,200 students and continues to excel under its motto, “United We Excel.”
Notable Alumni
Bunyore Girls High School has produced a long list of distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, both locally and internationally:
- Education and Academia
- Prof. Carolyne Omulando: Dean, School of Education and Social Sciences, Alupe University College.
- Fridah Frish: Chief Editor, Kenya Literature Bureau.
- Marvin Wangatia: Media Trainer, Masinde Muliro University.
- Law and Advocacy
- Laura Bagwasi and Lorna Odhong: Lawyers at Olel, Onyango, Ingutiah & Company Advocates.
- Corporate and Communications
- Susan Anyangu: Aga Khan Foundation East Africa Regional Communications Lead.
- Valentine Kageha: Safaricom NOC Engineer.
- Sharon Marion: Vihiga County Government Communication Officer.
- Science and Health
- Lucy Okubi: Lab Manager, KEMRI.
- Rose Chepkwony: Air Traffic Controller, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
- Margaret Karani: Counselling Psychologist, Education for Life.
- Media and Publishing
- Patience Linyulu: Editor, East Africa Educational Publishers.
- Bernice Mwigina: Production Assistant, Royal Media Services.
- Other Fields
- Lencer Adoyo: Senior Finance Officer, LVCT Health.
- Euster Agamara: Learning Resource Manager, Braeburn Schools International.
Unique Traditions
The school truck, fondly nicknamed Kukhu (grandmother), holds a special place in the memories of past students who used it for transportation. The school’s iconic blue skirts, pullovers, and white blouses remain a hallmark of its identity.
Legacy and Contribution
Bunyore Girls continues to empower young women by providing a strong academic foundation, nurturing leadership qualities, and instilling values of unity and excellence. The school’s alumni have become ambassadors of its legacy, excelling in various professions and contributing to society in meaningful ways.
Conclusion
Bunyore Girls High School stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. From its humble beginnings in 1905, it has become a beacon of excellence, producing generations of women who continue to shape Kenya and the world. Through its commitment to holistic education, the school remains a cornerstone of empowerment and societal progress.
