Butere Girls High School, established in 1916 by Irish missionary Jane Elizabeth Chadwick, has been Kenya's beacon of excellence for decades.
The school was recently at the center of attention when its play, Echoes of War, was controversially excluded from the National Drama Festivals despite having come in first places at the regional festivals.
This incident echoes a similar event in 2013 when their production of Shackles of Doom was initially banned by the Ministry of Education due to its portrayal of societal issues.
Away from dominating the headlines for its bold theatre productions, Butere Girls has over the years maintained a track record of producing female leaders and pioneers who have gone on to make their mark in their respective fields and contributed immensely to the shaping of Kenya.
Below are some of the leading women who have walked the halls of Butere Girls:
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Rachel Ruto
Butere Girls High School prides itself on having produced influential women such as Rachel Ruto, the First Lady of Kenya.
Rachel Ruto attended Butere Girls for her O-levels, though the exact years of her enrollment are not clearly outlined.
Her time at the school laid the foundation for her academic and leadership journey, which has seen her rise to become a prominent figure in Kenyan society.
Legal Sector
Lady Justices Joyce Aluoch and Effie Owuor, both alumni of Butere Girls, have made notable contributions to Kenya’s legal system. Aluoch served as a judge at the International Criminal Court from 2009 to 2018 and was a High Court judge in Kenya. She is known for her work in international law and women’s rights.
Owuor, one of Kenya’s first female High Court judges, contributed significantly to family law and the legal treatment of women and children.
Educationists
In the education sector, Butere Girls has produced trailblazers such as Mary Okello, Prof Florida Karani, and Prof Norah Olembo.
Okello, a first-ever female bank manager in Kenya, a historic achievement within the Kenyan banking industry, also went ahead to become a founder of Makini Schools, a prestigious school that has largely shaped the rise of private schools in Kenya.
Professor Florida Karani was the first female to assume the office of Chancellor of Maseno University, where she played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the university.
Professor Olembo is a legendary biochemist and the first African to hold the office of Professor and Head of Department of Biochemistry at the University of Nairobi. She played a pivotal role in developing Kenya's biotechnology policies and founded Biotechnology Trust Africa with a special emphasis on sustainable agriculture and healthcare.
The three women have made lasting contributions to Kenya's educational and professional landscapes, paving the way for future generations of women to lead and excel.
Politics & Diplomacy
In politics, Butere Girls has also borne fruit in the shape of influential leaders who have left their imprint on Kenya's political landscape. Ambassador Orie Rogo-Manduli, a rally driver and diplomat of renown repute, was legendary for her flamboyance and pioneering spirit. She made history as the first African woman to participate in the East African Safari Rally and as the Chairperson of the Kenya Tourism Board.
Professor Julia Ojiambo, another distinguished alumna, was the first African woman to be admitted to the Royal Technical College (now the University of Nairobi) in 1956. She later became the Chairperson of the University of Nairobi Council and was instrumental in the growth of the institution. In politics, Prof. Ojiambo was Assistant Minister for Education from 1979 to 1983 and a Member of Parliament for Busia Central over the same period.
Dr. Naomi Shaban, a dentist-turned-politician, has been a Member of Parliament for Taveta Constituency from 2002 to 2022 and is therefore one of Kenya's longest-serving women parliamentarians. She was the Minister of State for Special Programmes from 2008 to 2010 and subsequently the Minister for Gender and Children Affairs until 2013. In October 2023, Dr. Shaban was appointed Chairperson of the Tobacco Control Board, a testament to her enduring significance in public service.
