The experiences of Saturday 9th September 2023 were rather unusual. Some of us found time to experience the 90th Anniversary Celebrations of Kagumo High school, which contributed immensely towards becoming who we are today. Besides, we fully sponsored the function through the Kagumo Old Boys Association – KOBA.

There were numerous activities during the day involving not only the old boys, but also the students themselves. The peak of them all was the speeches by various speakers. Particularly, the concerns of the school principal were quite noticeable. “Since the beginning of the 100% transition of students to secondary schools, the work of educational administrators is seemingly to continue dumping additional students to the school. Nobody cares where they will sleep or how they will go to class. Imagine a population of more than 2000 students within such a short time!” lamented the principal.

The revelations of the Chairman of the Kagumo Old Boys Association – KOBA were equally noticeable. As the school goes through various challenges, the old boys had taken it upon themselves to variously contribute to activities of the school which include;- stocking of the school library, development of new administration block, renovation of school dormitories which included installation of solar water heating systems. That was quite a milestone compared to experience during earlier years.

Another great effort is initiating the an endowment fund, which caters for school fees for challenged students. The current focus is construction of the school multipurpose hall, staff houses and many other projects.

Speeches of old boys such as James Macharia, the former insfrustracture Cabinet Secretary and Dr. Dan. Gikonyo Founder of Karen Hospital were also quite inspiring. One can’t fail to mention other outstanding Kenyans from Kagumo High School, who have variously contributed to national interests such as Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Bank CEO, Gideon Muriuki, Co- op Bank CEO, Prof Njuguna Ndung’u, Treasury CS, Hon Mutahi Kagwe Former CS, renown for his efforts in taming the Coronavirus pandemic and Bishop Anthony Muheria amongst others.

The same school also produced authorities such as former Governors Waithaka Mwangi & Kimemia of Nyandarua, Former Governor Mureithi of Laikipia, late Dr. Wahome Gakuru, Governer of Nyeri county. We were also reminded that the same school had produced other former National Authorities such as the late Dr. Gikonyo Kiano, Late Jeremiah Nyaga, Late Matu Wamae and many more.

The Speech of the chief guest who was none other than the the Kenyan 2nd Lady, Dr Dorcus Gachagua was also of great concern. Her efforts towards the empowerment of the boy child can’t be taken for granted, especially considering that she was addressing boys themselves.

Meanwhile, one could not fail to notice the presentation of the oldest of the old boys of Kagumo High school who participated in the celebration. This old boy revealed that he joined the school in 1956, when most of us were not born. He later proceeded to Makerere University, Uganda, where he eventually graduated as a Land Surveyor.

In 1970, this land Surveyor started the first private firm engaged in land surveying, which he still practices up-to now. Inspired by the alertness of this 80 Years plus professional, I sought to know what inspires him to be that active even at his advanced age. “I am always seeking to acquire new knowledge. Do you have something I can read?”

The surveyor quickly grabbed a copy of Living Beyond Survival upon noticing the same. His response keeps reminding me of the assertions by Henry Ford who said that “You are old at 20 if you stop learning and young at 80 years of you continue learning.”

All the same, why share the experiences at Kagumo High School? Seemingly, there are great untapped resources through the alumni of almost every school. Many Kenyans will be ready to proudly give back to the institutions that made them what they became, isn’t it?

FYI

Seemingly, schools need to go back to the drawing board since science subjects will no longer be compulsory. Only Mathematics, English and Kiswahili will now be compulsory. How will students benefit from this new development? What challenges will be encountered?

We already have readymade answers on these questions. That’s why one school in Nairobi engaged us for guidance during subject selection sessions for the form one classes in 2015, 2016 & 2017.

Another School in Kiambu has done the same for the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Form 2 Classes, again during subject selection sessions. Remember, our KICD approved Career Dynamics in the 21st Century was used for the architecture of the Competency Based Curriculum.

The same principles embraced have been used to transform the empowerment strategy of the remnants of the 8-4-4 system. So, make good use of this transformation strategy for the form 1 or 2 classes as they select subjects. You will never regret the results that will be achieved through improved performance of the students and the school too. WELCOME!!! We are just a phonecall away.

Rgds

Mwangi Wanjumbi (MKIM)
Personal Empowerment Coach,
Speaker/Trainer on Strategy, Performance, Change Management and Leadership.
Seasoned Trainer of Trainers,
Competency Based Curriculum-CBC Architect,
Author of 1. KICD approved Career Dynamics in the 21st Century, 2. Living Beyond Survival:No More Tiptoeing in Life

  1. The 21st Century Student:Are You Creating The Future Today? Also, Retired 5 Year Monthly Strategy Columnist (2013 – 2018) for The SME Today Magazine Phone 254722516210

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