Meet Dr. Phanice Wangila, the remarkable teacher who defied the odds and founded Njoro Precious Schools. Her journey began with a single student and a profound dream in the power of education. Starting from humble beginnings, Dr. Wangila’s passion and unwavering dedication have transformed Njoro Precious Schools into a thriving educational institution that prioritizes academic excellence, gender equality, and holistic development.
Her is her inspiring story as told by WoK.
Career Background
Dr. Wangila Phanice is a renowned figure in gender advocacy and education with a diverse range of experience. Currently serving as the Director of Gender and Development at the University of Kabianga in Kericho, Kenya, she is dedicated to promoting equality, eliminating gender-based violence, and offering mental health support to women and girls.
Dr. Phanice is an accomplished senior lecturer at the university, where she imparts knowledge and fosters critical thinking among her students.
She holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the same institution and conducts ongoing research focused on addressing barriers to gender equality.
Initiatives Beyond Her Career
In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Wangila Phanice actively contributes to various initiatives. She is a certified mediator, employing her conflict resolution skills to facilitate peaceful resolutions.
As the Vice Secretary of the OWSD Kenya Chapter, she advocates for the advancement of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Furthermore, Dr. Phanice is the CEO of a network of educational institutions in Nakuru County, Kenya, dedicated to providing quality education and empowering students. Her extensive experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering commitment to gender equality make her a trailblazer in her field.
Early Career
Dr. Wangila Phanice’s educational journey began at Kenyatta University, located in Nairobi, Kenya. She pursued a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree in Chemistry and Mathematics from 1991 to 1996, actively engaging in various extracurricular activities and societies.
On Advancing Her Education
Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, Dr. Phanice obtained a Master’s degree in Chemistry (MSc) from Egerton University, situated in Njoro, Nakuru County, Kenya.
From November 2008 to January 2014, she focused her research on pesticide residues in Lake Nakuru and feeder rivers, showcasing her commitment to environmental research.
Driven by her passion for research and academic excellence, Dr. Wangila Phanice embarked on a Ph.D. journey in Analytical Chemistry at Egerton University. Her doctoral research, conducted from 2009 to 2016, delved into the study of indigenous reed salts, earning her accolades within the scientific community.
Career in Academia
Dr. Wangila Phanice’s career in academia spans over a decade, during which she has held the position of Senior Lecturer in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Kabianga, situated in Kericho, Kenya. Through her role as a senior lecturer, she has imparted knowledge and mentored numerous students, fostering their academic growth.
In February 2021, Dr. Phanice assumed the role of Director of Gender and Development at the University of Kabianga. In this capacity, she has been instrumental in aligning the university’s agenda through a gender lens, advocating for gender equality, and implementing training and awareness programs to promote equality in society.
Her work encompasses reaching out to young women and girls, offering mental health support, and establishing mentorship networks.
The Birth of Njoro Precious Schools
Located in Njoro, Nakuru County, Kenya, Njoro Precious Schools is a network of educational institutions that cater to different educational levels and needs.
The school started with only one student, but under the guidance of Dr. Phanice Wangila, it has achieved remarkable growth. From its humble beginnings, the student population steadily increased, growing from six, to twenty-five, and now serving hundreds of students.
Njoro Precious Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) School
The ECDE school provides comprehensive early childhood education to children aged 3 to 6 years. With a focus on nurturing and stimulating young learners, the school offers an environment conducive to the development of cognitive, social, and motor skills. Qualified teachers and age-appropriate learning materials ensure the holistic growth of students.
Njoro Precious Mixed Primary School
The mixed primary school serves students from grade 1 to grade 8. Following a well-rounded curriculum, the school combines academic subjects with co-curricular activities to encourage students to explore their interests and talents.
By fostering a love for learning and character development, the school aims to provide a solid foundation for further education.
Njoro Precious Girls High School
Njoro Precious Girls High School is dedicated to empowering young women through quality education. The high school offers a rigorous academic program alongside opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and skill enhancement.
By equipping young women with knowledge and confidence, the school prepares them for future success.
Some of Her Research Publications
- Wangila, T. P. (2017). Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activities of Cyperus rotundus and Typha latifolia Reeds Plants from Lugari Region of Western Kenya. Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, 3:3, 2471-2698.
- Wangila Tsikhungu Phanice, Kinyanjui Thomas, Nakhone Lenah N. (2016). Concentration of I2, Na, K, Mg and Fe2+ in soils, Plants, Ash and Salt Samples of selected areas of Western Kenya. International Journal of Science and Research, Vol.5, No. 4.
- Wangila Tsikhungu Phanice, Tsimbiri Pamella, Peter Nyongesa, Nakhone Lenah, Kinyanjui Thomas, Mule Shadrack (2015). Micronutrients I2, Fe2+, Mg, K and Na concentration in Typha Latifolia and Cyperus papyrus reed salts of Busia and Lugari regions of Western Kenya. International Journal of Science and Research, ijsr. vol. 4 No. 1, Jan 2015.
