In a bold and transformative move to uplift education in Kitui County, the Kitui Dons Association, a fast-growing network of over 200 PhD holders and university lecturers born in Kitui, have held its first-ever academic mentorship clinic at St. Angela’s Girls High School, Mutune, drawing over 1,000 girls from across the region.
The event, described as the first of its kind in the county, was spearheaded by the Association’s Board of Trustees, led by internationally celebrated scientist Prof. Dr. Jane Catherine Ngila, and supported by board members such as Dr. Temi Mutia (from Mwingi), Dr Peter Kitonyo , Technical University of Mombasa , School of Business head Dr. Samson Kitheka, and others.
Prof. Ngila declared the clinic a grassroots revolution in education. “We are bringing the university to the doors of our high schools. Mentorship must begin early, where it matters most,” she said.
Held under the Kitui Central Chapter, the clinic also rolled out simultaneously across seven other sub-counties, with the Dons announcing that their goal is to reach all 7 sub-counties with similar mentorship events in the coming months. Due to logistical challenges, the full countywide gathering couldn’t happen in one day — but the intent is to scale the outreach steadily and impactfully.
Mrs. Angelina Musyoki, the Principal of St. Angela’s, lauded the effort: “This was a dream come true for our girls. To hear from professors who came from villages just like theirs — it has opened their minds and built belief in their own futures.”
The Kitui Dons Association was formed on May 18, 2025, with the sole vision of uplifting Kitui’s academic standards through structured mentorship, guidance, and returning scholarly expertise back to local schools. Today’s leadership includes Prof. Dr. Catherine Ngila (Chairperson), Dr. Agnes Kithikii (Secretary General), Peter Kitonyo (Patron), and Evaline Nyamai (Treasurer).
Prof. Ngila’s personal academic journey has made her a role model for many. She is a globally recognized Kenyan chemist and a pioneer in nanotechnology for water purification. Her accolades include:
L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate (2021)
African Union Kwame Nkrumah Science Award for East Africa (2017)
South Africa’s Distinguished Woman in Science Award (2016)
She has mentored over 30 PhD students, published more than 430 scholarly works, and served in senior leadership roles at the University of Johannesburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal, and the African Academy of Sciences. She now leads the African Foundation for Women and Youth in Education, Science, Technology & Innovation (AFoWYESTI) and remains committed to academic transformation back home.
The clinic wasn’t just about grades and careers — it tackled holistic student development. Speakers discussed peer pressure, drugs and substance abuse, and the growing wave of student unrest reported in several schools across Kenya this term. Students were encouraged to choose discipline, purpose, and excellence. “We’re not just shaping scholars — we are shaping citizens,” said Dr. Kitheka.
Georgina Mwikali, one of the students, praised the event as a life-changing experience. “It was a roller coaster of inspiration. The mentorship sessions opened our minds and hearts. This must continue,” she said.
As part of the larger vision, the Dons also called on the government and well-wishers to support bright but needy students through scholarships and sponsorships. They emphasized that true academic equity cannot happen without removing financial barriers to access.
As Prof. Ngila closed the session, she reminded the girls: “Where we come from does not define how far we can go. Kitui has produced giants, and today we are here to help create even greater ones.”
The Dons have committed to continue this movement across the county, with structured mentorship programs and academic clinics in more schools already underway.
