Beyond Kimang'eti Gate

Schools in Kenya have one thing in common, and that is a gate. Here visitors must state their business and officially sign in. The gate is important for in an instant one knows the name and what the school stands for. Among our 22 CES schools is Kimang’eti Girls SS. Established in 2012, it lies some 22 km north-east of Kakamega. Beautifully situated in a lush valley at the edge of Kakamega Forest, it is surrounded by the Nandi escarpment and in the distance one can see Mt Elgon. 

Today our team of six head towards Malava county. On arrival at Kimang’eti Secondary School, we are met by Principal Mable Litu. But first the gate - different from most school entrances. Simple in design, it was more like entering through a farm gate. Later it becomes clear to us that education and meeting student’s needs are higher priorities than outward appearances. CES students were there to greet us and help President Michael in a tree planting ceremony. There were smiles everywhere as we moved on to Principal Litu’s office for tea and the Kenyan tradition of boiled egg, ground nuts and queen cakes.

First impressions were of a welcoming and well run school. The CES team had a lovely chat with the girls and it was clear these girls meant business. After tea break, the girls assembled under a tree beside a sugar cane plantation. CES Associates Sarah Nabongo and Milly Ochoki combined skills in a motivational talk where the students could freely interact. Our girls were guided through the session, sharing future plans. This to me was truly inspiring. There were future doctors, bankers, engineers, musicians, lecturers and even geologists among these bright students. Other topics covered included relationships, time management, study skills, examination techniques and self esteem.

These remarkable girls shared with us their desire for the nation to live in peace and harmony. Thinking of their teachers they requested a working space for them. They wanted their own borehole and a place where they could wash their hands with soap. Lastly, several asked for a decent pair of shoes. 

Each wrote a letter of thanks to their sponsor in Canada and then they spontaneously began to sing a song of praise to God for how far they had come in life. The melody spread across the small campus and it seemed like even the dairy cows grazing nearby were listening.

None of us wanted to leave; however with the threat of rain we felt now was the time. Principal Litu and Head Girl CES student Jessica Kitiavi made some final words, “I would like to thank the Almighty God for you. You have sacrificed for us and enabled us to stay in school. Without the CES family we likely would be roaming the streets. You will be proud of us all and we will achieve our goals,” said Jessica.

We passed through the Kimang’eti gate knowing we had to return and help this newly formed school. One day when many other things are in place and the CES girls have their shoes, then maybe a school gate will be possible. The story of Kimang’eti is not yet finished. 

Patricia Nyanchama Makori

CES Associate

Kisii, Kenya