President Ruto Celebrates Thika High School 70th Anniversary, Unveils Major Education Expansion Plan
Politics Updated: 15 May 2026 20:42 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto speaking at Thika High as it marked the 70th anniversary
President William Samoei Ruto on Friday, May 15, 2026, visited Thika High School in Kiambu County where he presided over the institution’s 70th anniversary celebrations, using the occasion to reflect on Kenya’s education journey and announce major government support for infrastructure expansion.
The Head of State described his visit as a rare honour, noting that it had been three decades since a sitting President last set foot in the institution, and affirming the school’s national importance in shaping leadership and academic excellence.
“Let me first thank God for the opportunity to visit Thika High School. I am informed that the last time there was a Head of State in this compound was 30 years ago. But I am very proud to be the second Head of State to be in Thika High School. And I want to confirm that Thika High School is a great school, deserving a visit from the Head of State.”
Ruto said his presence at Thika High was part of a broader effort to engage with institutions across the country, emphasizing that education remains the most powerful tool for transforming societies and nations.
He highlighted the historical vision of the school’s founders, praising them for investing in education as a long-term foundation for national development and prosperity.
“I am aware that we have many schools in the Republic of Kenya and I try, whenever I have an opportunity, to associate myself with what is going on in many of the schools. But 70 years ago, visionary men and women planted a seed here in Thika because they understood a very simple but powerful truth: that education has the power to change lives, shape the future, and transform nations.”
The President drew inspiration from global icons such as Nelson Mandela, saying education remains the most powerful equalizer in society.
“These founders understood, as Nelson Mandela would later tell the world, that education is the most powerful tool and weapon which you can use to change destinies and nations. And so they built Thika High School. Today, 70 years later, we gather here not just to celebrate the anniversary of a great institution, but to honor the vision of the generation of builders who understood that strong nations are built by empowered citizens.”
He said Thika High School stands as part of a network of national institutions that have shaped Kenya’s leadership over generations, including schools he personally attended and others across the country.
“Among the national schools I have visited is the school I went to myself, Kapsabet Boys High School. I have visited Alliance High School—the school Kimani Ichung'wah went to. I have visited Maseno and I have also visited Nyeri. But of course, today I am at Thika High School, a school with a distinguished history.”
Ruto added that education eliminates social barriers, noting that learners from all backgrounds share equal opportunity regardless of where they studied.
“But you know what? When Nelson Mandela said education is the greatest equalizer, it was because that is what it is. And that is why today all students from all schools—even those from polling stations—are equal and they are the same.”
The President praised Thika High School for its strategic location in one of Kenya’s most industrial towns, saying it has played a key role in building the country’s human capital.
“Thika High School reminds us of something very important. As Kenya transformed economically and industrially, schools like this one transformed the human capacity that powered that transformation. This great institution rose in the heart of one of Kenya’s most important industrial and commercial centers: Thika, a town long associated with enterprise, manufacturing, agriculture, innovation, and hard work.”
He noted that the school, founded in 1956, has grown into a major national institution currently serving thousands of students from across the country under different learning pathways.
“Founded in 1956, Thika High School has grown into one of Kenya’s leading national schools. Today, it stands as a C1 national school, offering all three competence-based education pathways and serving 1,800 students drawn from every part of our Republic. This growth reflects the trust generations of Kenyan families have placed in this institution.”
Ruto further commended student leadership and governance, saying he was impressed by the confidence and communication skills demonstrated by the student council during presentations.
“As I listened to Terrence, the school chairman of the school council, I was very, very impressed about his confidence and his eloquence; he spoke very good English. Congratulations, Terrence, you made a lot of sense. You know, I was very impressed about the things you asked of me and of us.”
The President also used the occasion to recognize Thika High School’s alumni network, describing it as one of the most influential in the country.
“Over the decades, Thika High School has produced distinguished Kenyans who have served this nation with honor and excellence. Among them are respected judges including retired judge Jackton Ojwang and Justice Okubasu. The school has also produced distinguished legal minds including Senior Counsel Paul Muite, Senior Counsel Kamau Kuria right here with us.”
He further highlighted senior public servants and political leaders who studied at the institution, noting their contributions to national governance.
“The institution has produced leaders such as Moses Kuria right here with us and of course our very own Clerk of the National Assembly Samuel Njoroge. I want to say this without fear of any contradiction: that Sam Njoroge is a great leader in the Republic of Kenya. A man who is intelligent, measured, and wise.”
Ruto said strong leadership requires discipline and patience, qualities he attributed to the school’s training environment and academic culture.
“It takes a man of great patience and understanding like Sam Njoroge to balance and make sure Parliament moves without any friction. So when Sam walked into my office and told me, ‘Mr. President, I went to Thika High School and they are celebrating 70 years,’ without hesitation, I said I would come to celebrate with you.”
He said the visit was a recognition of the institution’s long-standing contribution to Kenya’s development through education and leadership formation.
“Many scholars—you’ve just heard one great scholar here, Professor Benu and many others who have made huge contributions to our Republic—are students that came from this great institution and I’m truly, truly grateful.”
Ruto emphasized that education goes beyond examinations, focusing instead on shaping character, discipline, and responsible citizenship.
“Their lives remind us that education is not only about examinations and certificates, but it is also about forming responsible citizens, building integrity into them, nurturing discipline, and preparing young people to serve society with honor.”
He acknowledged rapid growth in student population, noting increased pressure on infrastructure and learning facilities within the school.
“I understand that student enrollment has increased from about 600 students to nearly 1,800 in the past 10 years. That growth is encouraging, but it has also placed enormous pressure on facilities. Classrooms are overcrowded, dormitories are overstretched, and laboratories and dining facilities are under pressure.”
Ruto assured the school community that the government would intervene to improve learning conditions and expand infrastructure.
“I want to assure you that we recognize that quality education cannot thrive where facilities are not adequate. Our children deserve a safe, dignified, and supportive environment where they can learn and they can innovate.”
He commended the school board and alumni for their commitment to developing a long-term master plan aimed at expanding the institution sustainably.
“I especially commend the board for developing a long-term master plan for the future growth of this institution. I also recognize that important projects have already been completed or are ongoing within the school including the paving of internal roads, the construction of a great dormitory, and the renovation of Jubilee dormitories.”
The President said the government would support construction of a 1,000-bed dormitory and a multipurpose hall to ease congestion and improve learning conditions.
“We are going to build for you, and I think the drawings are already being worked on for a dormitory to cater for a thousand of them, and a multi-purpose dining hall to take 2,000 students. We will also do the swimming pool.”
Ruto emphasized that the government has already addressed key challenges in the education sector, including staffing, infrastructure, curriculum reform, and funding.
“As I stand here today in Thika High School, I can confidently say our education is on very sound footing. There were four serious challenges: a challenge with CBC, a challenge with classrooms, a challenge with teachers, and a challenge with funding. We have tackled each and every one of them systematically.”
He said teacher recruitment has significantly improved, with 100,000 teachers employed over three years and more recruitment underway.
“We have employed 100,000 teachers in the last three years. We are employing another 20,000 teachers this year to make sure that we close the gap.”
Ruto added that the government has expanded classroom construction nationwide to reduce overcrowding in schools.
“We have built 23,000 classrooms across the country, and I’m very happy that we will be building some classrooms in Thika today.”
He further noted reforms in education funding, ensuring capitation is released before schools open each term.
“We have also made a deliberate decision that every term, before the term opens, money for teaching arrives in school.”
The President concluded by reaffirming the government’s long-term commitment to investing in education as the foundation of Kenya’s future competitiveness.
“In the last three years, we've increased the resources going to education from 500 billion to 702 billion this year. And in the budget we are proposing this June, we want to take it to 767 billion shillings to make sure that all our learners have adequate resources.”
He said Kenya’s future depends on its ability to invest in knowledge, innovation, and human capital development.
“We are doing it because if Kenya is to catch up with our peers who became first-world countries, we must invest in education.”
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