By Elias Moturi

It is exciting that Kereri Girls’ High School is clocking 60 in style.

Already, preparations are on top gear as the big day, 16th February draws nigh.

The institution opened its doors in 1965 as a Girls Secondary School, having been established by the Pentecostal Assemblies of God-(PAG-K).

The church has its headquarters at Nyang’ori Mission, Western Kenya and sponsors schools like Nyang’ori Boys, Ekerubo Girls and Sameta Boys.

Over the years, Kereri has had its fair share of achievements, jubilation and challenges.

It has however stuck its head firmly to produce great ladies out here serving in different capacities.

For the last 60 years, different learners have had an opportunity to nurture their talents and for the part of the staff, it has shaped many to go out as administrators.

What to expect on 16th February, 2025

Many of our students are talented: we have had Kereri represented in many fora, nationally and internationally.

The school not excels in academics but also in co-curricular and extra- curricular activities.

We are among the few schools that have been transitioning high numbers of candidates to University from a single cohort, though an Extra-County School.

We have had opportunity to host high-profile national leaders, a sign that all that Kereri does is acknowledged far and wide.

This month, the Jubilee has to be marked by giving the celebrants a souvenir to remember Kereri for, and this how an idea of a book on leadership was conceived several months ago.

It is exciting to disclose tha the book, Leading Forward: Kereri Girls Leadership Journey , has been born.

It is a compilation of leadership stories of 18 girls and two members of the teaching staff.

Why the book?

Long are the days we observed children as miniatures who just receive content from teachers and other elderly people in the society.

As a result of liberalization of knowledge through mainstream media, social media- all courtesy of the Internet, our children have a lot to share with us.

The 18 girls drawn from the current classes of Form 2, 3, 4 and the candidates of 2024 weaved words into interesting accounts of their understanding of leadership.

Just an example, Susan Engoro, a Refugee Student from Kakuma who completed in 2024 has written about her journey of tribulations she has faced and how she has managed to overcome them by being determined to succeed and become a leader in her country.

Education transforms societies; she has given her story on how education has accorded her opportunity to visit Statehouse and shake hands with the key national leaders including the Head of State.

She was among a few who had opportunity to pose with the current Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Education, Julius Migos Ogamba when he was moving round schools to check on their preparedness for the 2024 KCSE nation Examinations.

Susan’s story is an inspiration to many refugees in the camps who could be on the verge of despair.

Both the 2024 and the current school captains have also given an account of their leadership journeys: Esther Nyakundi and Haynes Matoya have proved that serving in leadership positions can never derail one from their academic dreams.

Esther was our best girl in 2024 and as she did exams, she was still capable of coordinating the 18 girls do their chapters for this book.

A series of meetings did not deter her from scoring an A; leadership!

The authorship is inspired by Dr M. Teresa Lawrence, President and Executive Director of the Trueness Project.org.

She is a life coach for youth empowerment and transformational leadership.

She offered to publish the book in USA and now a bestseller on the AMAZON- an online marketing platform.

The readership

In our families, we have children who seem to have passion for leading others, such individuals will identify with the stories of their contemporaries than books on leadership done by adults.

The adult leaders of different capacities can also get a chance to travel into the desires of young leaders and adjust to accommodate them as they lead them.

“The book is a masterpiece: get the copy once it is launched and let us change the conversation for the better of our society.”

–Elias Moturi

For institutions of basic learning, this compilation is recommended for all members of the student council (formerly referred to as prefects.)

It serves beyond generations.

The book can also be a reference in the shelves of universities that offer Children Literature as a course to students of literature and literary studies.

This is the gift of Kereri@60, a souvenir!

More about Jubilees

Jubilees are meant for celebration of anniversaries of unions or to mark days of inception of institutions.

At 25 years, we celebrate a Silver Jubilee.

A Celebration at 50 years is referred to as a Golden Jubilee.

At 60 years, we mark strength, love and health; this milestone is referred to as a Diamond Jubilee.

An institution marks a celebration of 70 years as a Platinum Jubilee.

Centennial or Centenary is a celebration of 100 years of existence.

May God Bless Kereri!

• Mr. Moturi teaches English and Liturature at Kereri Girls High School