Cardinal Otunga girls,Bungoma Principal Christine Sifuna……Photo/IP
By Godfrey Wamalwa
When Senior Principal Christine N. Sifuna took charge of Cardinal Otunga Girls High School in Bungoma County, few could have predicted the transformation that was about to unfold.
Today, the once-ordinary institution has become a powerhouse of discipline and academic brilliance , a place where dreams are molded, futures are built and destiny is forged.
In the 2024 KCSE, the Catholic-sponsored girls’ school stunned many with a mean score of 8.36 (B–). Out of 412 candidates, 394 secured direct university entry, a staggering 95.6 percent transition rate that placed the school among the region’s finest.
Two students even scored straight As, cementing its new reputation as an academic giant.
“Discipline and teamwork are our anchor,” Sifuna declared. “We believe every girl here has the potential to excel if given the right environment.”
The story of Cardinal Otunga Girls is not just about books and grades. In May 2025, the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Foundation unveiled a Ksh 5 million dormitory to ease congestion, offering 100 girls a safe and modern living space.
A larger, 300-bed facility is also on the way, proof of the school’s rising stature.
Through mentorship programs with the African Women in Science and Engineering (AWSE) and Masinde Muliro University, students are encouraged to dream big.
Many now speak of careers in engineering, medicine, and technology with a confidence that was once rare.
Yet, Cardinal Otunga Girls’ meteoric rise has not been without controversy. Last year, 18 students were suspended over allegations of lesbianism and possession of mobile phones, sparking heated debates among parents.
Critics called the punishment harsh, but Sifuna remains unshaken.
“Discipline is the foundation of learning. Without it, we lose focus,” she insisted.
Eyes on the Horizon
Despite challenges, the principal is pushing for more. Her goal? Raising the school’s mean score to 9.0 and above. With discipline as her compass and destiny as her vision, Sifuna is determined to keep Cardinal Otunga Girls on the upward trajectory.
For Bungoma County, the message is clear: Cardinal Otunga Girls is no longer just a school, it is a movement.
