St. Louis Butula School, popularly known as Western Hawks, in Busia County is steadily reclaiming its glory under the leadership of Chief Principal Mr. Josphat Otsieno, who assumed office a year ago following the retirement of his predecessor, Mr. Daniel Ouma.
A premier C1 institution with a rich history in both academics and co-curricular activities, Butula has long been a dominant force in school Rugby at the national level. Today, the school is undergoing a remarkable transformation aimed at restoring and surpassing its past excellence.
Since taking over, Mr. Otsieno has spearheaded key reforms, particularly in academics, by establishing structured and result-oriented programs designed to position the institution among the top-performing schools in Busia County and beyond.
The impact of these reforms is already evident. Teacher morale is at an all-time high, student confidence has significantly improved, and the overall academic environment is both focused and competitive.
“You cannot achieve meaningful results in a hostile environment. When I took over from my predecessor, I was fully aware of the responsibility to uphold and advance the legacy of this great institution,” said Mr. Otsieno.
He emphasized that meeting the high expectations of parents and stakeholders required deliberate planning and commitment to excellence.
In last year’s KCSE examinations, the school presented 431 candidates, out of which 337 students attained the minimum university entry grade of C+ and above, posting a mean score of 7.603 (B-).
- With this strong foundation, the school has now set its sights on achieving a 100% university transition rate in 2026.
To realize this ambitious target, the administration has intensified academic strategies while reinforcing discipline, guided by the belief that a disciplined student is more likely to excel academically.
Mr. Otsieno has called upon parents and stakeholders to actively support the school’s programs by:
- Participating in academic meetings,
- Ensuring timely payment of school fees and
- Motivating both students and teachers.
He expressed concern over a growing trend where some parents opt to air grievances on social media rather than engaging the school directly.
“It is unfortunate that some parents fail to attend scheduled academic days where key issues are discussed and resolved. Let us take ownership of the school and be its ambassadors,” he urged.
He further noted that while Parents’ Association (PA) projects are standard across schools, constructive engagement is more beneficial than criticism.
The school recently admitted over 500 Grade 10 learners, who are pioneers of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system. The administration has put in place adequate structures to ensure effective implementation of the new curriculum.
Mr. Otsieno acknowledged the support from key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, the Catholic Church (the school sponsor), and the alumni network for their continued contribution to the school’s growth.
With renewed focus, strengthened discipline, and collective stakeholder support, St. Louis Butula School is firmly on a path to academic excellence and holistic development.
The Western Hawks are not just rebuilding, they are soaring high again.
