A Legacy of Excellence: The History of Butere Girls High School
Butere Girls High School is one of Kenya’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions. Located in Kakamega County, it has evolved from a humble missionary classroom into a National School known for producing some of the country’s most influential women.
1. Foundations (1916 – 1956)
The Beginning (1916): The school’s roots trace back to Jane Elizabeth Chadwick, an Irish Anglican missionary. She arrived in Butere in 1916 and began a primary school to address the lack of education for African girls.
Expansion: By 1931, it became a full day school, and in 1937, it transitioned into a boarding school.
Land & Growth: The local clan, the Abashirotsa, generously donated land to allow the school to grow, eventually occupying a massive 63-acre compound after annexing the neighboring Chadwick College.
2. Secondary Status & Golden Era (1957 – 1970s)
Secondary Transition (1957): The school officially became a fully-fledged secondary school. At the time, it was ranked as the second-best Protestant girls’ high school in Kenya, following only Alliance Girls.
Academic Peaks: In 1970, it admitted its first “A-level” class. Under the leadership of its first African headmistress, Miss Alice Barasa (1973–1974), the school cemented its reputation for discipline and academic rigor.
3. Challenges and National Status
The 1980s Slump: Like many older institutions, the school faced management and infrastructure challenges in the 1980s, which led to a temporary dip in academic performance.
Modern Resurgence: The school underwent a major recovery phase and was officially promoted to the National School category in 2012.
Culture and Spirit
Motto: For Only The Best
Values: The school is grounded in Christian principles, sponsored by the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK).
The Arts: Butere Girls is famous for its prowess in the Kenya National Drama Festivals, often producing thought-provoking and controversial plays (like Shackles of Doom) that challenge social norms.
Notable “Old Girls” (Alumni)
The school’s motto, “For Only The Best,” is reflected in its list of distinguished alumni, often referred to as “Old Girls”:
- Mama Rachel Ruto: The current First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and a champion for women’s economic empowerment through Joyful Women (JOYWO).
- Lady Justice Effie Owuor: A true trailblazer who became Kenya’s first female High Court Judge and later served on the Court of Appeal.
- Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch: A former judge of the High Court of Kenya who rose to become the first Kenyan judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
- Dr. Mary Okelo: A pioneer in the financial and educational sectors, she was Kenya’s first female bank manager and founded the renowned Makini Schools.
- Orie Rogo Manduli: Known for her flamboyant style and fearless personality, she was the first African woman to compete in the Safari Rally and a prominent politician.
- Prof. Julia Ojiambo: A legendary academic and politician who became the first female Member of Parliament from Western Kenya and served as an Assistant Minister.
- Elizabeth Masiga: A dedicated educationist who served as the first female Director of Education in Kenya
The School enjoys both academic and Co-curricular activities’ successes. In the latter, Butere is a power house in Basketball, Soccer and Drama.