St. Joseph Chepterit Girls Principal Francesca Chepkwony Graduates with PhD, Celebrated for Transformative Leadership in Education and Community Development

St. Joseph Chepterit Girls Principal, Dr. Francesca Chepkwony, has achieved a remarkable milestone in her career, graduating with a PhD in Education, a testament to her dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence in Kenya’s education sector. Her accomplishment comes after decades of transformative leadership and service to students, schools, and communities across the country.

Dr. Chepkwony previously served as Principal of Turbo Girls School, where she earned national recognition for her outstanding leadership. Under her stewardship, the school’s student population grew from 420 learners to over 1,000, a clear reflection of her ability to inspire academic growth, attract resources, and create a culture of excellence. Her visionary approach transformed Turbo Girls into one of the leading girls’ schools in the region, both in enrollment and performance.

One of her notable contributions is the launch of the Imarisha Mtoto wa Kike program at Turbo Girls, which mobilized resources to support school fees for vulnerable girls, ensuring that financial barriers did not hinder access to education. Through this initiative, hundreds of girls were able to pursue their education, fulfill their potential, and dream beyond their immediate circumstances.

In addition, she started the Funika Uchi program, aimed at providing school uniforms to needy primary school children in Turbo and neighboring areas. This initiative extended her impact beyond her own school, fostering goodwill and a culture of giving within the broader community. Her commitment to social responsibility has earned her widespread admiration among parents, students, and local leaders.

Dr. Chepkwony has also been a key partner in national and diocesan initiatives. She has played a significant role in the Friends of Lodwar Eldoret Diocese Bishop’s Initiative, supporting vulnerable communities in Turkana and other marginalized areas. Her engagement with these initiatives reflects her belief that education goes hand-in-hand with community development and social transformation.

In addition to her community-focused initiatives, Dr. Chepkwony has made a lasting impact on Kenya’s Catholic education system through her work with the Kenya Association of Catholic Schools Principals (KAPSA). She has spearheaded programs on common evaluation frameworks, benchmarking, and collaboration among Catholic schools, ensuring that educational standards are maintained and improved across institutions. Her leadership has been pivotal in creating networks for resource sharing, professional development, and student-centered education.

Her professional journey is marked by steady progression through Kenya’s Teachers Service Commission (TSC) ranks, culminating in her attaining the prestigious rank of Chief Principal, the highest teaching qualification and professional rank in the country. This achievement underscores her expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to professional growth.

Colleagues, education stakeholders, and community leaders have lauded Dr. Chepkwony as a role model for women in leadership and education. Her approach blends academic excellence with moral guidance, community service, and empowerment of girls, making her an inspirational figure for teachers and students alike.

Reflecting on her career, Dr. Chepkwony emphasizes the importance of holistic education—one that nurtures academic skills, ethical values, and social responsibility. She continues to mentor young teachers, support girls’ education, and engage with community initiatives, ensuring that her impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

As she continues to lead St. Joseph Chepterit Girls, Dr. Chepkwony remains committed to fostering an environment of excellence, inclusivity, and empowerment. Her legacy is not only measured in the academic achievements of her students but also in the lives she has touched through her tireless dedication to education and community service.

Her journey stands as a powerful example of how visionary leadership, dedication, and compassion can transform schools, empower communities, and inspire generations.