- Friends Gianchere School continues to thrive through strong governance, parental support, and community partnership.
- With a dedicated team driving CBC preparedness, infrastructure growth, and creative arts, the institution is shaping learners for the future.
- The school stands on a firm foundation of vision, wisdom, and collaboration, ensuring steady progress and lasting impact.
Our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan is more than a document; it is a roadmap for transformation that will position Friends Gianchere High School as a center of academic and holistic excellence under the Competency-Based Curriculum.
Dr. Violet Makokha, BOM Chairlady.
Nestled along the Kisii–Keroka Road, just about two kilometers from the bustling Keumbu Market in Kisii Central Sub-County, Friends Gianchere High School is quietly but steadily shaping a legacy of academic and co-curricular excellence. From humble beginnings, the institution has emerged as one of the most promising centers of learning in Kisii County, driven by visionary leadership, dedicated staff, and an ambitious student body.
Academic Growth: From Steady to Strong
In the last three years, Friends Gianchere High School has recorded remarkable progress in academics. In 2022, the school entered 229 candidates for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), achieving a mean score of 5.903. Out of this group, 75 students secured direct university entry, signaling a strong academic foundation.
The following year, 2023, brought even greater gains. The school registered 228 candidates, posting a higher mean of 6.149, and saw 87 students proceed to university. In 2024, the school’s trajectory reached a new high, with an improved mean score of 6.896. Out of 212 candidates, a staggering 133 qualified for university admission, cementing the school’s reputation as an institution on the rise.
Looking ahead, Senior Principal Dr. Philip Omae Ochoi, DHL, told Scholar Media Africa that the school has set its sights even higher for the 2025 KCSE candidates. “We have 241 students this year, and our target is a mean score of 7 and above,” he said with confidence, reflecting a leadership that thrives on ambition and measurable progress.
The Board of Management of Friends School Gianchere has reaffirmed its commitment to effective stewardship and to driving the school toward the realization of its vision and mission.
According to Chairperson Dr. Violet Makhokha, true progress at the institution can only be achieved through collective effort.
“At Friends School Gianchere, we believe that lasting progress is only possible through collaboration: uniting the Board, administration, staff, students, and the wider community in pursuit of excellence,” she said.
Through its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, the Board has laid out a clear roadmap that harmonizes ideas, perspectives, and resources into a shared development agenda. The plan prioritizes readiness for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), Kenya’s new learner-centered education framework.
Parents’ Support
Behind Friends Gianchere’s steady growth stands a strong and supportive parents’ body. Leading this effort is Jane Onchari, the newly inaugurated Parents Association (PA) Chairperson, now serving her first term. With fresh energy and vision, she has pledged to work closely with the principal, teachers, and the wider school community to advance the institution’s mission.
“Our role as parents is to complement the efforts of teachers and administrators. We believe in walking with the school as partners, because when we invest in Friends Gianchere, we are investing in the future of our children,” Onchari affirmed.
She has promised to rally parents not only to contribute resources but also to provide moral support, encouragement, and oversight, ensuring that the school continues to thrive in the years ahead.
Prepared for the Future: CBC and Grade 10 Transition
While the KCSE results tell the story of steady improvement, Friends Gianchere High School is not only focused on the present but also on the future of education in Kenya. With the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) transition to senior school (Grade 10) set for January 2026, the institution is already laying the groundwork for a smooth and successful rollout.
The school leadership has ensured that facilities and programs are aligned with CBC expectations. Plans are underway for modern computer laboratories, home science rooms, and design and technology facilities. A new building dedicated to facilitating CBC-related programs is also in the works, underscoring the school’s readiness to embrace the changes and give learners an edge in holistic education.
As an executive member of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festivals, the principal has championed the integration of creative arts as part of the school’s CBC preparedness, nurturing learners’ creativity, confidence, and self-expression.
Holistic Development: Beyond the Classroom
Friends Gianchere High School is more than just academics. The school’s co-curricular activities have flourished over the years, creating a balanced learning environment. From sports and drama to leadership programs and cultural activities, students are exposed to opportunities that enrich their talents and build resilience.
This commitment to all-round development has made the school a respected name not only in Kisii Central but also across the county. Parents, alumni, and the wider community continue to support the institution, knowing that it shapes not just graduates but responsible citizens.
Visionary Leadership and Strong Support
Much of the school’s success is credited to the stability of its leadership. Principal Ochoi has worked with focus and determination to elevate Gianchere Friends. With a staff of 40 teachers (39 employed by TSC), the school has maintained a healthy student–teacher ratio, enabling effective teaching and mentorship.
The institution has also benefited from strong governance and support from stakeholders, including the Board of Management and community leaders. Veteran educationist Mzee Cosmas Omare, a long-serving board member since his retirement, has remained instrumental in offering wisdom and stability to the school’s operations.
Alongside the administration, the Parents Association has given the school the confidence to dream bigger and aim higher, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines Gianchere Friends.
A Strategic Location with a Bright Future
Strategically located along the Kisii–Keroka Road, Friends Gianchere enjoys accessibility while maintaining a serene environment conducive to learning. Its proximity to Keumbu Market provides an economic and social advantage for both staff and students.
With a current student population of over 1,000 learners, the school has become a hub of transformation for young people in the region. As it prepares for CBC senior school classes and pursues its goal of achieving a mean score of 7 and above, Friends Gianchere High School is not just educating students, it is shaping the future of the community and the nation.
Friends Gianchere High School is a story of resilience, partnership, and steady growth—an institution blending academic excellence with preparedness for the new curriculum.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Nyambaria High School on Upward Trajectory, to Introduce Aviation Program
