President William Ruto has reiterated the government’s dedication to investing in education, positioning schools as the cornerstone of Kenya’s future workforce, leadership, and innovation economy.
Addressing the 70th anniversary celebrations of Thika High School on Friday, Ruto commended the institution for nurturing generations of leaders and professionals, urging renewed investment in contemporary learning infrastructure.
The President stated that the government perceives education expenditure as a long-term national investment rather than an expense.
“Government support for education is not considered an expenditure. It is an investment in our future workforce, future leadership, and future prosperity,” Ruto emphasized.
Ruto seized the opportunity to celebrate the role historic schools have played in shaping Kenya’s development, noting that institutions like Alliance High School, Kapsabet Boys, Maseno School, and Thika High represent various chapters of the nation’s history.
“Seventy years ago, visionary individuals planted a seed here in Thika, recognizing a fundamental truth: Education possesses the power to transform lives, shape nations, and alter the future,” he stated.
The Head of State highlighted Thika High School’s distinctive contribution to Kenya’s industrial and economic advancement.
“As Kenya underwent economic and industrial transformation, institutions like this one shaped the human capital that drove that change,” he explained.
Established in 1956, the institution has evolved into a premier national school with nearly 2,000 students from all corners of Kenya. Ruto noted that the school’s expansion mirrored the confidence parents and citizens have placed in it throughout the decades.
The President also recognized the strain the increasing student population has imposed on facilities, indicating that classrooms, dormitories, and laboratories were operating beyond capacity.
“Quality education cannot flourish with inadequate facilities. Our children require secure, respectful, and nurturing environments where they can learn, innovate, develop, and realize their complete potential,” he stated.
He praised the school’s board, alumni, and parents for ongoing expansion initiatives, encompassing the construction and refurbishment of dormitories and enhancement of internal pathways.
Ruto additionally urged schools to align their educational approaches with emerging global technologies, noting that artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital innovation were swiftly transforming economies globally.
“The future economy will value not just knowledge, but creativity. Not merely qualifications, but innovation. Not simply information, but problem-solving abilities,” he emphasized.
He commended the school’s intention to establish a Sports, Performing Arts, and Digital Learning Center to promote coding, robotics, machine learning, and talent development, noting that the initiative aligned with Kenya’s future economic trajectory.
The President also honored distinguished alumni from the school across the years, including retired Justices Jackton Boma Ojwang’ and AB O’Kubasu, Senior Counsel Paul Muite and Senior Counsel Kamotho Waiganjo, alongside political figures Moses Kuria and Samuel Njoroge.
“To the students of Thika High School: You inherit a proud legacy,” Ruto stated, encouraging learners to embrace discipline, diligence, and innovation as they prepare to guide the nation into the future.