Starehe Girls' Centre

In the 1950’s, Dr. Geoffrey William Griffin had a vision of providing a better future for destitute, homeless boys in Kenya. He believed that education could greatly improve the condition of human life. In 1959 he realized his vision with the opening of Starehe Boys School. In Swahili, the spoken language of Kenya, the word "Starehe" means 'Tranquility' and 'Peace.' Starehe has become one of the leading secondary schools not only in Kenya but also throughout Africa. In addition, Starehe is renowned the world over as a center of educational excellence.

Throughout his life, Dr. Griffins vision for better education did not stop with boys. He wanted all children of Kenya, boys and girls, to be able to realize their dreams and potential by receiving a high quality education. Several attempts were made to found a girls school similar to the Starehe Boys School. Finally in January 2005, six months before his death, Dr. Griffin once again realized his vision when the Starehe Girls Centre opened its doors to the first class of young, disadvantaged girls from all over Kenya

Admission to Starehe Girls’ Centre is highly competitive and based solely on merit. Each year the Centre receives about 20,000 applications from all the regions of Kenya. Only 80 girls can be accepted in each entering class. Starehe accepts girls of all religious beliefs,and provides religious studies for them. Charitable contributions from Kenya and abroad, sponsor education for all the girls at Starehe. Thus, disadvataged girls are able to have a comprehensive, high quality, secondary education that would otherwise be beyond their reach. The Centre currently has 312 girls enrolled. 30 Starehe Girls are GGBC Girls.

To establish a national centre of academic excellence for bright but disadvantaged girls; incorporating high standards of discipline, responsibility, integrity and service.

To provide a homelike, supportive environment within which girls from disadvantaged backgrounds can grow toward their full potential in terms of academic and personal development. To redress the imbalance of access to quality education and leadership opportunities of disadvantaged, adolescent girls. Director: Mrs. Margaret Wanjohi

The Starehe Girls’ Centre Song

These are the years when we are helped and guided Taught by Starehe to know, and judge, and do; Prepared for the future, encouraged and provided, Strengthened to serve; Natulenge Juu!

Brought to the school to join a thousand others,

All with one purpose, quick and keen and true; Boldly we follow in the footsteps of our brothers, Proudly we wear our dress of red and blue.

Honour the School, a way of life which fires us, Lifts up our spirits, sets us all ablaze, Teaches and trains, rebukes us and inspires us, Planting the seed to serve us all our days.

We pledge ourselves, when this our generation, Must in its turn the weight of government bear, To all mankind, through service to our nation, Head, heart and hand in justice, zeal and care.

These are the years when we are helped and guided Taught by Starehe to know, and judge, and do; Prepared for the future, encouraged and provided, Strengthened to serve; Natulenge Juu!