Nairobi, March 31 -- As we bid farewell to Sister Rita Shisala Itebete, one cannot but help think about her larger-than-life presence at the Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls - Kakamega County. She served from 1978 to 2002, leaving an indelible mark on more than 30,000 students.

Many girls benefited from Sr Rita's mentorship, advice, unmistakable love and unwavering belief in their potential.

Sr Rita set the bar sky-high for her students. Education was guided by the mantra "Educate a Girl and Transform a Nation, Community, Village and Home".

She did not just expect independence, creativity and critical thinking - she practically demanded them from students.

Back then in 1980s, only 40.7 per cent of secondary school students were girls, with a...