St. Theresa’s Eregi Girls Senior School in Kakamega County has undergone a remarkable transformation barely two years after Mrs. Victoria Alukum took over leadership of the prestigious institution.
The school had made national headlines two years ago following a mysterious outbreak in which several students were rushed to hospital.
The affected girls experienced unusual symptoms, including difficulty walking, with many seen wobbling and unable to move properly.
Despite medical attention, no clear diagnosis was established, creating fear and uncertainty among parents and stakeholders.
In response to the crisis, the Teachers Service Commission(TSC) transferred Mrs. Victoria Alukum from St. Cecilia Nangina Girls High School in Busia County to restore stability and confidence at the Ikolomani based school.
Upon her arrival, the situation was dire. Many parents had already transferred their daughters to other schools, having lost faith in the institution. However, Mrs. Alukum remained optimistic and determined to turn things around.
“When I arrived, it was a tense moment for me. I did not expect the transfer, but I prayed to God to grant me grace and wisdom to lead the institution,” she recalls.
Working closely with the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega,the school introduced structured prayer programs alongside enhanced guidance and counseling sessions. These initiatives addressed both the psychological and spiritual wellbeing of the students.Gradually, normalcy returned, and confidence in the school was restored.
Today, barely two years later, St. Theresa’s Eregi Girls is once again ranked among the top-performing schools in the region, with a strong reputation in both academics and co-curricular activities.
Education stakeholders and observers have described Mrs. Alukum as a “godsend” to the school. Under her leadership, student’s self-esteem has significantly improved, academic performance has steadily risen, and enrollment numbers are growing. Notably, some parents who had transferred their daughters are now seeking readmission.
Eva Muderu, an alumna and parent, praises the principal’s leadership style:
“She is one of the most understanding administrators I have ever encountered. Her humility is unmatched.
She listens carefully and provides practical solutions. I am truly proud of her.”
Margaret Chavangi, a parent of a Form Four candidate, also speaks highly of the principal. After losing her job in Nairobi, she faced challenges in paying school fees. However, upon approaching Mrs. Alukum, she received a compassionate hearing and was allowed to continue supporting her daughter’s education through flexible payment arrangements.
“Thanks to her understanding, my daughter will complete her studies this year. I am hopeful she will perform well in her exams,” she says.
The school has already successfully conducted its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Grade 10 orientation, signaling a return to normal institutional operations and forward planning.
With strong administrative leadership and continued support from the Catholic Church, including the diocesan Bishop, Theresa’s Eregi Girls is on a steady upward trajectory.
The 2026 candidate class, dubbed “The Pinnacles,” has set an ambitious target mean score of 7.0 (C+), with all 335 candidates expected to attain the minimum university entry grade. The school community remains optimistic that this class will not only excel but also rewrite the institution’s academic history.
