Alliance High School celebrates 100 years
One of the first schools to give African students a secondary education in Kenya marked its centenary.
Key points
- Alliance High School in Kikuyu, one of the first institutions to provide secondary education to African students in Kenya, celebrated its centenary on 1 March 2026.
- The school began with three students in 1926 and a class of 27 by the end of that year; it now has about 1,850.
- President William Ruto attended and announced KSh550 million in investment, including 40 classrooms, roads and a sports academy.
Alliance High School in Kikuyu, one of Kenya's most famous schools, celebrated its 100th anniversary on 1 March 2026.
From three students to 1,850
When the school opened in 1926, three African students reported for their secondary education. By the end of that first year, the class had grown to 27. Today the school has about 1,850 students.
Alliance was one of the first institutions to provide formal secondary education to African students in Kenya, and its alumni include many of the country's leaders in politics, law, business and the professions.
A centenary gift
President William Ruto attended the celebrations. "Very few institutions are privileged to mark 100 years of continuous existence," he said, adding that fewer still did so while staying faithful to their founding ideals.
The government announced KSh550 million in investment for Alliance and neighbouring schools, including 40 new classrooms, KSh200 million for roads around the schools and a KSh60 million sports academy. Ruto also handed over a new KSh155 million dormitory for 640 students and a KSh88 million dining hall.
Why it matters
Alliance's history is bound up with Kenya's: it educated African students when opportunities were rare under colonial rule. Its centenary is a reminder of how much education has shaped the country.
Sources
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