Murray Girls High School is a public, extra county girls’ boarding secondary school recognized for its academic strength, historical significance, and dedication to girls’ education in Kenya.
With a heritage dating back to the early twentieth century, it stands as a pillar of opportunity, growth, and leadership for generations of young women. This article offers an in-depth look at the school’s origins, mission, campus, facilities, evolution over time, and its present-day standing and initiatives as of 2025.
Founding History and Evolution
- Origins: The roots of Murray Girls High School can be traced to 1941, when Miss Marjorie Murray—a pioneering missionary—established a girls’ primary boarding school at the Coast to serve local girls. The institution later transitioned into a full secondary school through the vision and support of the Church Missionary Society (CMS).
- Co-Education to Girls-Only: Initially founded as a co-education institution in 1960 at Wusi, the school became solely for girls in 1961 to specifically champion the education of the girl-child.
- Campus and Land: The school sits on a generous 38-acre land near Wundanyi town in Taita Taveta County, donated by Reverend V.V. Verbi, a missionary pastor affiliated with CMS.
- Missionary Impact: The influence of pioneer educators like Miss Murray and Rev. Verbi remains a cornerstone in the school’s vision and management.
School Profile and Ethos
| Attribute | Details |
| School Name | Murray Girls High School |
| Location | Wundanyi, Taita Taveta County, Coast Region, Kenya |
| School Category | Public, Extra County Girls’ Secondary |
| Boarding/Day | Full-time Boarding |
| School Motto | “Through Endeavor We Succeed” |
| Founding Year | 1941 (primary), 1960/1961 (secondary) |
| Land Size | 38 acres |
| Sponsorship | Religious (Initially CMS, current ACK) |
| School Level | Secondary |
| Principal (2025) | Ms. Veronica Marami |
| Student Enrollment | 998–1200 |
| Staff (Approximate) | 28 teaching, 23 non-teaching |
Vision, Mission, and Values
- Vision: To provide quality education and develop the girl-child into an industrious, efficient, upright, and patriotic citizen.
- Mission: To produce upright, hard-working and globally aware students equipped with strong values and leadership qualities, true to the school’s motto.
- Values Infused: Discipline, charity, teamwork, industriousness, and service.
Academic and Boarding Facilities
- Academic Facilities: Murray Girls High School boasts modern, spacious classrooms, science and computer laboratories, and a well-stocked library serving students and teachers for research, homework, and academic enrichment.
- Boarding Infrastructure: Comfortable dormitories and boarding amenities support a nurturing, focused environment for learning and personal growth.
- Extracurricular: Ample grounds for athletics, drama, debate, leadership clubs, and arts foster all-round talent development.
School Location and Access
| Attribute | Details |
| Town | Wundanyi |
| County | Taita Taveta |
| Sub-County | Mwatate |
| Road | Mwatate-Wundanyi Highway |
| Region/Province | Coast Region, Kenya |
| Sub Location | Wusi, Chawia |
| Postal Address | P.O. Box 1069 – 80304 |
| Phone Contact | (+254) 0724 977737, (+254) 0722829417 |
- The school is easily accessible via major highways and close to other educational centers, allowing convenient visitation, student drop-off, and access to county resources.
- Its expansive land offers unique potential for program expansion, new infrastructure, and green spaces for recreation.
Institutional Achievements and Reputation
- KCSE Performance: The school is consistently ranked among the top secondary schools in Taita Taveta County, with notable success in the KCSE exams. In 2023, Murray Girls High School achieved a mean score of 6.21, placing it among the leading academic institutions in the region.
- Leadership Legacy: The school has produced some of the county’s outstanding principals and educators, including best principal awards and community leadership recognition.
- First Female Graduate: The school delivered Taita’s first female graduate—an enduring symbol of its pioneering role in female education.
- Community and Outreach: The school maintains active social responsibility projects, outreach to rural and disadvantaged communities, and student participation in civic projects.
Recent Developments and Ongoing Initiatives (2025)
- Facility Upgrades: Ongoing refurbishment of classrooms and dormitories, expansion of science labs, and upgrading of the library.
- Digital Integration: Implementation of digital literacy modules and access to e-learning platforms.
- Faculty Development: Focus on teacher capacity-building through workshops and advanced training.
- Student Support: Enhanced guidance and counseling services, peer mentorship programs, and study support for slow learners.
- Admission and Selection: Merit-based selection for Form 1, with clear criteria stated by the Kenya Education Ministry, and up-to-date KCSE codes and digital results management for parents.
Neighbouring Educational Institutions
- The school’s proximity to other secondary schools—such as St. Mary’s Lushangonyi High School, Bura Girls High School, Timbila Boys Secondary School, and Canon Kituri Secondary School—creates a collaborative, competitive, and supportive educational landscape.
- Active inter-school competitions and knowledge sharing benefit Murray Girls High School students in academics and personal development.
Quick Reference Table: Murray Girls High School Fast Facts
| Feature | Description |
| Category | Girls, Extra County Boarding, Public |
| Land Size | 38 acres |
| City/County/Region | Wundanyi, Taita Taveta, Coast Region |
| School Level | Secondary |
| Est. Enrollment | 998–1200 |
| Sponsoring Body | Religious (ACK/Church Missionary Society) |
| Academic Standing | Top performer in KCSE exams |
| KCSE Code | 01114102 |
| Principal (2025) | Ms. Veronica Marami |
| Motto | “Through Endeavor We Succeed” |
Conclusion
Murray Girls High School is a historic, mission-driven girls’ boarding secondary school situated in Wundanyi, Taita Taveta County, Kenya. For over half a century, it has stood as a bastion of academic and personal development for the girl-child—driven by missionary values, rich resources, and continuous improvement.
With its vast land, dedicated faculty, and a reputation for high achievement, Murray Girls High School remains a foundation for generations of women striving for excellence and leadership in Kenya’s society.
Through ongoing modernization, focus on digital skills, and increased community outreach in 2025, the school continues to honor its founding vision while preparing students for success in a changing world. Its legacy is not only seen in its academic results, but in the thousands of empowered women who have passed through its gates.
