By SHABAN MAKOKHA
May 22, 2026| St Mary’s Mumias Girls High School is overflowing with pride after being named Kenya’s Best Performing Secondary School in Academics (2026)—a recognition that cements its rising stature as one of the country’s most formidable centers for girls’ education.
In a moment of equal prestige, the school’s Senior Principal, Ms. Monica Buchichi, was celebrated as an Icon of the Girl-Child in East Africa, a continental honor recognizing her as one of the most transformative education leaders of her generation.
She was further honored with the Principal of the Year Award by the East Africa Champions—an accolade that crowns nearly three decades of visionary leadership, unwavering service, and relentless advocacy for girls’ empowerment.
These awards were bestowed during the 7th Edition of the East Africa Superwoman Awards, held on May 16, 2026, in Nairobi. The ceremony, themed “Breaking the Glass Ceiling and Leading Ahead,” spotlighted trailblazing women across government, corporate, media, civil society, and education—women who are reshaping the region through impact-driven leadership, innovation, and inclusivity.
Back in Kakamega County on Thursday, St Mary’s Mumias Girls erupted in jubilation. Students, teachers, clergy from the Catholic Church, parents, and community members gathered to celebrate the school’s double victory. The compound came alive with prayers, ululations, song, and dance—an emotional outpouring of pride and gratitude for a leader who has steered the school to excellence with grace, resilience, and a deep sense of duty.
Ms. Buchichi’s rise to the pinnacle of educational leadership is a testament to determination forged through hardship. Her journey, shaped by obstacles that would have broken many, only strengthened her resolve.
Despite performing well in her KCPE exams, she was forced to repeat Class Eight because her parents could not afford school fees for both her and her sister, who was joining Form Five. Later, while in Form Two, she dropped out for two terms due to financial challenges after her elder sister and guardian fell ill. Her determination, however, did not go unnoticed. The Principal of Bunyore Girls High School personally recalled her, offering her a second chance—an opportunity she seized wholeheartedly.
As the last born in a family of nine, her academic perseverance saw her excel in KCSE and join Kagumo Teachers Training College, setting the foundation for a remarkable career.
Ms. Buchichi launched her teaching career at Kapsabet Boys High School, where she taught for six years. She later moved to Kapsabet Girls High School, nurturing young women for seven years before transferring to St Brigid’s Girls, Kiminini.
Her defining breakthrough came when she was promoted to Principal without ever serving as Deputy Principal—a rare recognition of excellence based purely on merit and leadership potential. She was posted to Holy Rosary Girls High School, a struggling institution with only three students. Undaunted, she rebuilt the school from near obscurity into a thriving institution. “I used to take loans from Mwalimu Sacco to fund education programs. I paid fees for students, supported their stay, and extended help to their families,” she recalled.
Her next station, Ruth Kiptum Girls High School in Baringo County, presented even tougher conditions—bandit-prone, under-resourced, and deeply marginalized. “I almost cried. I asked myself so many questions. Why was I being moved after rebuilding a school? But I put on a brave face and told myself I would deliver, no matter the situation,” she said. At Ruth Kiptum, she not only strengthened academics but also led community support initiatives—removing jiggers, smearing homes with cow dung to improve hygiene, and feeding vulnerable families. She found the school with 630 girls and left with 1,545 students—a testament to her transformative leadership.
Today, Ms. Buchichi leads St Mary’s Mumias Girls High School as Senior Principal—a role in which she has propelled the institution to unprecedented heights. Under her stewardship, the school has recorded outstanding academic progress, including a remarkable mean score of 8.20, placing it among the country’s top performers.
She has revitalized the academic culture, strengthened teacher-student engagement, and implemented supportive strategies to help candidates excel. Her holistic approach incorporates rigorous mentorship and motivational programs, high-profile career talks led by alumni and professionals, interactive parents’ days that fortify home-school collaboration, and emotional, spiritual, and social support systems for learners. These interventions have transformed the school into a beacon of girl-child empowerment, nurturing learners who are confident, disciplined, and future-focused.
Yet, her journey at St Mary’s was not smooth. “Today I wake up with a smiling face. But in my early days here, I woke up to alarming social media attacks. Fellow women fought me. I almost quit, but I reminded myself that quitting is not in my vocabulary,” she said. “Today we celebrate because someone I did not know recognized my strength and decided to reward me.”
Catholic Bishop Joseph Obanyi, who presided over the celebration, dedicated the Principal and candidates to God, encouraging them to strive for excellence in all areas of life. “Form Four exams are important, but true success is holistic—academics, character, and discipline. Avoid anything that may derail you. I am proud of St Mary’s, our top-performing girls’ school,” he said.
Board of Management Chairperson Rosemary Wanaswa and the Parents Association leadership, led by Henry Muhula, lauded the Principal for her transformative, people-centered leadership. “I have never met someone who loves children the way she does. She is so close to the girls that they feel the love of a real mother,” Wanaswa said.
The celebration at St Mary’s was more than an awards ceremony—it was a reaffirmation of the school’s mission to raise strong, empowered girls ready to break barriers and lead with courage.
Ms. Buchichi dedicated her awards to the students: “I dedicate these honors to the girl-child of St Mary’s so they can grow into superwomen who will inspire others.”
Her story—rooted in resilience, discipline, compassion, and excellence—continues to inspire thousands of girls across East Africa. St Mary’s Mumias Girls High School remains not only an academic giant but also a nurturing home for future leaders, innovators, and trailblazers who will shape the region’s tomorrow.