A growing wave of alumni support is bringing hope to vulnerable learners in Thika, as former students step in to address rising school fees arrears and strained infrastructure in public secondary schools.
At the centre of this intervention is Thika High School, a national institution grappling with increasing enrolment, limited facilities, and mounting unpaid fees. With a student population of over 2,000, many drawn from informal settlements such as Kiandutu, Kiang’ombe, Madharau, and Gachagi, the school has faced significant financial and operational challenges.
For years, the institution has struggled with large fee balances, alongside shortages of classrooms, dormitories, and essential learning facilities such as computer laboratories. These challenges have been compounded by the government’s push for 100 per cent transition from primary to secondary school, as well as the directive that no learner should be sent home over unpaid fees.
In response, the school has turned to its alumni—commonly referred to as old boys—to support both needy students and infrastructure development. The former students have since established an education kitty aimed at assisting learners at risk of dropping out due to financial hardship.
Speaking during the school’s 70th anniversary celebrations, Chief Principal Julius Muraya said the institution has long struggled to balance rising enrolment with limited resources. He noted that unpaid fees arrears have made it difficult to run operations effectively and expand facilities to meet demand.
“Despite being a national school, we continue to face shortages in key infrastructure, including classrooms, dormitories, and ICT facilities,” Muraya said, adding that the situation has been worsened by the economic realities facing many families.
He, however, lauded the alumni initiative, describing it as timely and impactful in ensuring continuity of learning for vulnerable students.
Leading the alumni efforts, Isaac Macharia said former students had resolved to give back to the institution by supporting both infrastructure upgrades and student welfare. He noted that renovations are already underway, with plans to expand support to reach more learners in need.
Another alumnus, Dr George Kamau, emphasised the importance of collective responsibility, urging alumni associations across the country to emulate the initiative. He said such efforts can significantly improve learning conditions and ensure no child is left behind due to poverty.
Muraya also highlighted the school’s recent turnaround, noting that past challenges such as indiscipline and drug-related issues have been addressed through collaboration with parents and the community. The school is now recording improved academic performance.
Education stakeholders say alumni-driven interventions could become a vital solution for public schools struggling with financial strain, infrastructure deficits, and growing enrolment, especially in urban areas.
For Thika High School, the renewed support from former students is not only easing immediate challenges but also laying a foundation for a more stable and inclusive future.
