Rising Above the Mist: How Metkei Girls High School Transforms Young Women
By Gladys Yator || Kass Digital
In the chilly highlands of Elgeiyo Marakwet, perched on the highest point of the county, Metkei Girls High School quietly transforms young girls into responsible, confident young women. Every student wears a matching headgear, now a distinctive part of the school uniform. The girls move with purpose, and it is rare to see them wandering the streets of Eldoret on their way to school. Their discipline and unity are as visible as the morning mist that hugs the hills.
Metkei has earned a reputation not for a single year’s results, but for consistent performance, discipline, and a culture that nurtures growth. Chief Principal Rosemary Kuto attributes the school’s success to years of steady work and the commitment of the community. “Our results do not appear by chance,” she says. “They come from dedication and consistent effort.” The school recorded a mean score of 9.381, reflecting its long-standing record of excellence.
Every year, the school welcomes young girls, some barely teenagers. In the past, hair shaving was mandatory, but that policy has now been lifted. Students can wear neat cornrows, giving them a chance to express themselves while maintaining the school’s standard of discipline and neatness.
These small expressions of creativity boost confidence and mark the beginning of a transformation. By the time they leave, the girls have grown into responsible, confident young women shaped by structure, guidance, and support.
Teachers often stay late to provide extra lessons, while parents and the local community offer encouragement and guidance. Everyone plays a role in helping the students succeed. Mrs Kuto emphasizes that leadership matters. She believes it is about including everyone involved in the school and ensuring that every effort contributes meaningfully to the students’ growth.
Leaders from within and outside the county have also supported the school with improvements in infrastructure. Comfortable classrooms, better dormitories, and spacious dining areas give students not just space to study, but a sense of dignity and focus. In a region where the weather is often cold, these improvements make a real difference, creating a home away from home.
Metkei’s culture is personal and caring. The girls call Mrs Kuto “Mom” and the deputy principal “Shosh,” a term for grandmother. These names reflect trust, guidance, and familiarity, giving students a sense of belonging in a boarding school far from home.
Discipline has been central to the school’s progress. Not the kind that stifles, but consistent and clear, helping students develop focus, resilience, and confidence. When asked what advice she would give young leaders, Mrs Kuto says, “Take every opportunity to lead as a way to grow. Approach it seriously because it matters.”
Metkei’s story is not about a single year’s results. It is about consistent effort, structured guidance, and a community that supports its students. It is a school where young women are shaped to be capable, responsible, and ready to take on challenges, even in the coldest weather.
On the highest hill in Elgeiyo Marakwet, the misty mornings, the biting wind, and the sweeping views are part of the classroom. Here, girls learn not only academics but resilience, discipline, and pride. Every neat cornrow, every purposeful step across the campus, tells the story of a school that turns ordinary girls into extraordinary young women.
