Kapsabet Girls High School is set to mark its 100th anniversary on Saturday, June 14, with a grand celebration on its historic grounds. The centenary event will feature a blend of festivity and reflection—highlighting the school’s illustrious journey, raising funds for ongoing projects, and honouring its enduring legacy in advancing girls’ education in Kenya.
The school traces its roots to 1916 when the African Inland Mission (AIM) enrolled 14 boys and 21 girls at Chebisaas in Kobujoi. However, resistance from some Nandi warriors (wary of foreign influence) led to the institution’s premature closure. In 1919, the school was relocated to Kapsabet, which was closer to the District Commissioner’s office, to enhance the security of the learners.
With support from colonial authorities and African chiefs such as Elijah Cheruiyot and Micah Bomett, AIM laid the foundation for Christian education by erecting dormitories, classrooms, and a church, making it one of the earliest institutions dedicated to educating African girls.
The school adopted the colonial education system, offering the Common Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kenya African Preliminary Examinations (KAPE) and later the Kenya Certificate of Examinations (KCE)
The pioneer boys and girls of Kapsabet School later became the spiritual and educational trailblazers within the region. The pioneer boys were Job Birech, Joshua Kosut, and Noah Ruto, while the girls included Martha Chebo and Elizabeth Jebichii.
The then District Commissioner J.K.R. Thorp defended the school’s existence at Kapsabet, citing its infrastructure, AIM’s investment, and inclusive education ethos. His May 11, 1949, memorandum preserved the school’s location, allowing it to flourish into a national centre for girls’ education. Kapsabet became a fully-fledged girls’ secondary school in 1951
Several leaders, including Daniel Arap Moi, Ezekiel Birech, and Edward Limo, played a crucial role in its protection, expansion, and national profile. Moi, himself an alumnus of the AIM school, continually supported its growth during his 24-year term in office as Kenya’s second President.
Under the reign of its Chief Principal, Mrs Mary Kiprop, Kapsabet Girls has evolved—yet its faith-driven mission endures. It stands as a symbol of resilience, visionary leadership, and the transformative power of educating girls.
A strong commitment to competence and innovation has marked Mrs Kiprop’s tenure. Her leadership has significantly transformed Kapsabet Girls, cementing its reputation as one of Kenya’s premier centres of academic excellence.
Kiprop’s contribution to the holistic transformation of the girl-child is profound, and many, especially Kapsabet Girls alumni, remember her for this.
During her tenure, the no-nonsense school arrowhead has spearheaded numerous innovations that reshaped the Nandi-based girls’ school into an academic powerhouse.
Under her tutelage, the institution has undergone significant infrastructural expansion, including the construction of a tuition complex, twin laboratories, a daily unit, and a borehole project. She has also set up a fruit garden and a tree nursery to meet the nutritional needs of the girls and promote environmental conservation.
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A 600-bed capacity hostel (a legacy project), which started in January this year, is ongoing. The enormous facility, jointly funded by the government and other key stakeholders, will accommodate a rapidly growing student population.
The Kapsabet Girls Trust Fund, established in 2014 by the school’s board of management, has supported several vulnerable girls in covering their school fees.
In 2023, she organised a walk with the old girls to raise Sh70 million for the construction of ultra-modern hostels for the girls. High Court Judge Justice Roselyne Korir and Prof Loice Maru, the institution’s board chairlady, led hundreds of alumni in the ambitious walk.
Towering alumni
Known for its exemplary academic performance, Kapsabet has churned out big names, Zipporah Kering (member of parliament, EALA), Zipporah Kitony (former chairperson, Maendeleo ya Wanawake), Roselyn Korir (High Court Judge), Anne Amadi, Anna Cheptumo (CS, Gender, Culture, Arts & Heritage) and Prof. Loice Maru (DVC, Moi University).
Pioneer contributors
President Daniel Arap Moi, who left Kapsabet in 1941, made massive contributions to the institution. He built the Nyayo Hostel (1985), the Modern Tuition Block (2000), and the New Dining Hall (2000).
Bishop Ezekiel Berich was the centenary institution’s first board chairman (1964 – 1983). Edward Limo was also an influential board member and a respected community leader.
Stellar performance
Today, as Kapsabet Girls commemorates 100 years since its inception, it stands tall as an academic beacon for girls nationwide.
Last year, the extra-county school with 1,400 students and 61 TSC teachers admitted all 412 girls who sat the national examinations (KCSE) to the university upon attaining the minimum cutoff point of 46C+ (plus) and above. The one hundred per cent varsity transition coincided with its centennial celebrations.
From humble mud huts to a nationally celebrated institution, Kapsabet Girls has endured through generations. It stands firm, anchored in faith, driven by knowledge, and propelled by the legacy of missionaries like Rev. Bryson, Rev. Reynolds, Rev. Checkley, and Mrs Huxley.
The school’s centenary celebrations will be marked this Saturday at the institution’s grounds with a variety of events, including a tree-planting exercise, a cleaning exercise, and a visit from physically challenged children, which have already been undertaken. The festival will also highlight the school’s rich history and its significant role in promoting girls’ education in Kenya as it honours its pioneers and renews its commitment to shaping women of strength, wisdom and purpose.
By Oumah Otienoh
The writer is a Kenyan contributor to literature, art, and culture, and an avid travel enthusiast.
Email: oumahotienoh2009@yahoo.com
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