President Ruto Pledges Multi-Million Projects as Thika High School Marks 70 Years of Excellence

President William Ruto on Friday joined thousands of students, alumni, teachers, parents and leaders in celebrating the 70th anniversary of Thika High School, in an event marked by nostalgia, pride and major development pledges aimed at transforming the institution into a leading centre of excellence in the country.

The celebrations brought together some of the school’s most distinguished alumni and leaders from across the political and professional divide, highlighting the institution’s rich legacy in shaping influential figures in Kenya’s leadership, legal, business and media sectors.

While addressing the gathering, President Ruto praised Thika High School for its long-standing contribution to the country through academic excellence and leadership development, noting that the institution had consistently produced individuals who have played key roles in national development.

Among the notable alumni recognised during the celebrations were former Cabinet Secretary and ex-Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, veteran lawyer Paul Muite, lawyer Kamotho Waiganjo and Samuel Njoroge, the current and seventh Clerk of the National Assembly. 

Other notable alumni include Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, former Supreme Court Judge Jackton Boma Ojwang, media executive Linus Gitahi and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.

The President also commended the school for its impressive academic performance in the 2025 KCSE examinations, where it posted a mean grade of 8.2. Six students attained straight As, while 31 others scored A-.

In recognition of their outstanding performance, the six students who scored grade A were each awarded a laptop.

As he concluded his visit, President Ruto unveiled a raft of ambitious development promises for the school aimed at expanding infrastructure and increasing student capacity.

He pledged to mobilise friends and partners to raise Ksh. 50 million for the construction of 30 new classrooms. He also promised the construction of a 1,000-capacity dormitory, a multipurpose hall capable of accommodating 2,000 students and a modern administration block similar to the one at Nairobi School.

In support of the school’s transport needs, the President announced an additional Ksh. 5 million towards the purchase of a school bus, matching another Ksh. 5 million pledged by Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a. The announcement sparked excitement among students, who humorously said the bus would “take them to Singapore.”

President Ruto further pledged to mobilise Ksh. 5 million for the purchase of modern musical instruments and equipment for the school band.

On their part, the school’s alumni committed to raising Ksh. 10 million for the construction of a modern swimming pool within the institution.

The President said the government would support efforts to expand the school’s capacity from the current enrolment of about 1,800 students to nearly 10,000 in the future, saying this would help nurture more leaders and professionals for the country.

The event was also attended by Basic Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Bitok, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a, Moses Kuria and several other leaders and dignitaries.

President Ruto also extended support to MP Shah Chania Girls High School, whose students were present during the celebrations, promising to help the school acquire a bus. He directed MP Alice Ng’ang’a to follow up the matter with him to ensure the pledge is fulfilled.