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Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Power, Progress & Purpose: How One Woman is Rewriting the Story of Cardinal Otunga Girls

 




At the foot of the rolling hills in Bungoma County, something remarkable is unfolding at Cardinal Otunga Girls High School—a quiet revolution in education, led not by noise, but by vision, discipline, and a leader whose impact is as deep as it is dignified.


Recently , the school proudly unveiled a new 300-bed capacity dormitory, a gleaming structure funded by the Kenya Pipeline Company. For many, it’s simply a building—bricks, mortar, and metal. But for the students, teachers, and community of Cardinal Otunga, it represents something far greater: a symbol of growth, hope, and the school’s rising profile on the national education map.


Behind this transformation is Senior Principal Christine Sifuna, a woman whose calm demeanor belies the bold strides she has taken in just two short years at the helm.


> “This dormitory is not just a facility—it’s part of our promise to nurture every girl who walks through our gates,” Mrs. Sifuna said during the opening ceremony, her voice steady and heartfelt.




Under her stewardship, Cardinal Otunga Girls is no longer just a school—it is an institution on the move. Since taking over, Mrs. Sifuna has launched a wave of strategic improvements: renovated science laboratories, a digital learning resource hub, enhanced sanitation infrastructure, and a renewed focus on student mentorship and values-based education.


But it’s not just the physical changes that stand out—it’s the shift in spirit. There is a newfound energy coursing through the school corridors, driven by a leadership style best described as quietly revolutionary.


“She doesn’t shout to be heard,” one teacher observed. “She leads by example—with clarity, with patience, and with an unmatched sense of purpose.”


The results speak for themselves. In the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, Cardinal Otunga Girls posted a remarkable mean score of 8.36 (B)—the school’s highest performance to date. The results not only reflect academic excellence, but also underscore the school’s growing stature in Bungoma County and beyond.


What’s equally commendable is the balance the school now strikes between academics and co-curricular activities, which have become true bedfellows. From science congresses to debate forums, music festivals to sports tournaments, Cardinal Otunga Girls is a hive of holistic learning.


At the heart of this thriving ecosystem is Mrs. Sifuna’s people-first philosophy. She actively listens to parents and the local community, engaging them as partners in the school’s journey. Her open-door policy has earned her the admiration and trust of many, helping foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility.


She has also strengthened student leadership, building a vibrant and empowered Students’ Council that works closely with the administration to promote discipline, peer mentorship, and school pride. Students describe her as firm but fair—a mentor who believes in their potential and expects nothing but the best.


> “When you perform well, she notices. She celebrates your success. That makes you want to give even more,” said a Form Four student, proudly wearing her prefect badge.




Mrs. Sifuna extends the same motivation to her staff. Teachers who go the extra mile are regularly recognized and encouraged, creating a positive and hardworking culture among educators.


Parents and stakeholders speak of her in glowing terms—an administrator who listens, includes, and delivers. “Since Mrs. Sifuna arrived, we’ve seen transparency, growth, and unity,” said a parent. “There’s trust in her leadership. And that has made all the difference.”


As Kenya continues its transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), Cardinal Otunga Girls is already ahead of the curve—thanks to infrastructure like the new dormitory, and thanks to a principal who sees education not just as instruction, but as transformation.


In a region where many schools struggle for consistency and support, Cardinal Otunga Girls High School has become a shining example of what can be achieved when purpose meets partnership, and when leadership is both

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Item Reviewed: Power, Progress & Purpose: How One Woman is Rewriting the Story of Cardinal Otunga Girls Rating: 5 Reviewed By: Vipasho News
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