Dr Ida Odinga Reunion with fellow Ogande Girls Alumni Draws National Spotlight as she Champions Women’s Empowerment.

BY VICTORIA AMUNGA | 5484 MEDIA| KISUMU

• Former students reunite in Kisumu Western Kenya for a colourful intergenerational celebration of sisterhood
• Dr Ida Odinga urges women to invest in mentorship, education and community impact
• Alumni network expands scholarships and support programmes for current students

A vibrant display of elegance and nostalgia unfolded at The Grand Hotel in Kisumu ,Western Kenya  as Ogande Girls High School alumni gathered for their annual reunion on February 14, transforming the lakeside venue into a celebration of legacy, leadership and lifelong friendship.

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was electric.

Hugs lingered, laughter carried across the hall and colourful attire reflected a deep sense of pride. For many, it was not simply a party — it was a homecoming.

A Sisterhood Across Decades

The reunion drew former students from as far back as the 1970s through to the early 2000s, with some travelling from abroad to attend. Professionals, entrepreneurs, educators and community leaders reunited under one banner: Ogande Girls.

What began in classrooms and dormitories has evolved into a cross-generational network of influence and support.

“What we built in school did not end at graduation,” one alumna said. “It matured. It strengthened. Today, it empowers.”

The gathering reflected a broader narrative familiar to many in Kenya and across the diaspora — women building communities that transcend geography.

Alumni based in Nairobi, Mombasa, Europe and North America joined local members, underscoring the global footprint of the school’s former students.

A Voice for Women’s Advancement

The evening was graced by education and women’s empowerment advocate Ida Odinga, whose address elevated the significance of the occasion.

She urged the women to remain intentional about lifting one another and investing in the next generation through mentorship and education.

“When women support each other, families thrive. When families thrive, communities transform,” she said, drawing sustained applause.

Her message resonated strongly in a room filled with women already engaged in philanthropy, business leadership and grassroots initiatives.

Beyond Celebration

While the evening sparkled with glamour and spirited dancing, organisers were keen to highlight the deeper purpose behind the annual reunion.

The alumni association continues to fund mentorship programmes and scholarship initiatives aimed at supporting current students.

By pooling financial contributions, professional expertise and global networks, members are working to ensure that opportunity extends beyond their own success.P

For many attendees, the reunion symbolised more than nostalgia — it represented continuity. A bridge between past and future.

A Lasting Legacy

As conversations stretched late into the evening and music gradually softened, one sentiment remained clear: the bond endures.

The Ogande Girls Alumni reunion was not simply a social event.

It was a living testament to the enduring power of education, shared experience and women united in purpose — a story that resonates well beyond Kisumu’s lakeside, reaching alumni and supporters across Kenya and around the world.