Bishop Gatimu Ngandu Girls,’ a perennial top performer in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams was founded in 1960 by late Bishop Caesar Gatimu.
Images of its students ecstatically jumping in celebration every end of February after the release of KCSE results has not escaped the notice of many Kenyans over a long time.
The Karatina-based school, one of the few provincial schools known outside Central Kenya, used to be run by the Comboni Mission, in Karatina, Nyeri.
The school was initially named Ngandu-Ngandu Girls High School, after the place it currently sits.
It was not until later that the school changed its name to Bishop Gatimu Ngandu Girls to honour its founder.
Sister Nazarene Zonta and her deputy ran the school until 1983. Lay principals (or headmistresses) have headed the school since.
Although run on strict Catholic tradition, the school had compulsory entertainment every alternate Saturday and compulsory siesta every Sunday afternoon. This work and play culture seem to have been the secret formula for the success of the school. The school also has a big and well-stocked library.
Notable alumni who were spurred by the motto “Unity in Strength” include KTN Kiswahili news anchor Mashirima Kapombe, singer Amani (Cecilia Wairimu) and Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika.
Another who wore its green skirts, grass-green sweaters and white blouse, is Lady Justice Mumbi Ngugi.
