By Abdullahi Jamaa | Wajir Today

Sixty years ago, in the heart of the Northern Frontier District, Wajir High School, the only secondary school at the time, admitted its first Form One students, setting the pace for a long history of excellence and offering an academic lifeline to thousands of students from the region.

On Saturday, 12 July, as the school marked its diamond jubilee, it stood not only as the oldest in the region but also as a living symbol of endurance, transformation, and brimming hope.

Its scattered alumni, who now serve nationally and internationally in different capacities, gathered to celebrate the school’s achievements while echoing a renewed call for continued support.

Set against a backdrop of widespread insecurity, limited infrastructure, and climate hardship, Wajir High School has, for six decades, grown into a revered educational institution that has shaped the lives of many in the region.

The celebration of the school’s 60th anniversary is a powerful testimony to resilience and a legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of students who pass through its classrooms in pursuit of education.

Organised by passionate members of the Wajir High School Alumni Association, the occasion highlighted a legacy of selfless service from old boys committed to improving the school’s learning environment.

The colourful anniversary, which attracted regional dignitaries and notable figures, became a showcase of unity and a call for material and moral support from education stakeholders.

For thousands of its alumni, it was also a moment of tempered recollection, of the golden days of an institution that shaped many minds during a time when gaining education was a hard nut to crack.

With fond memories, one at a time, the old boys vividly remembered their days at Wajir High School. It was a powerful mix of a timely reunion and a renewed call to uphold the institution’s legacy.

The presence of Mr Abdirahman Abdinur Ali, the first student to be admitted to the school in 1965, made the anniversary occasion one of its kind, as excited students, alumni, leaders, and members of the public cheered with awe.

“I was the first student in this school. We had our Form One and Two classes in neighbouring Wajir Primary School because at that time construction for the secondary school was still ongoing,” Mr Abdirahman recalls his early years in the school. “The secondary school was the first in the region where students from Marsabit, Moyale, Mandera and Garissa attended.”

The story of Mr Abdirahman and that of many other alumni retold the long and inspiring history of a school that has produced many leaders and influential people across the entire Northern region of Kenya.

“I was the only girl in a class of 40 boys,” said Rukia Subow, a former student and former Kenyan Ambassador to Iran. “I remember, the boys those days were very good, they respected us and treated us like their sisters.”

Flanked by former students Nuria Abdullahi and Nuria Sheikh Farah, the former ambassador was among the first group of ladies admitted to the school in 1968.

Old principals 

The alumni association, headed by former Wajir Senator Abdirahman Ali Hassan Olow, led the celebrations, which were graced by Cabinet Secretary for Health Mr Aden Duale, and joined by UDM party leader and Mandera Senator Ali Roba.

“I want to thank the alumni members,” said Mr Olow, citing the long and tedious journey leading up to the anniversary. “In December 2024, we had a major meeting where we elected officials for the association that paved way for the anniversary.”

In the run-up to the anniversary, alumni officials, supported by a vibrant organising committee, left no stone unturned to ensure everyone was on board to make the event a success and the biggest one yet.

Much to the joy of the day, five of the school’s former principals attended the event. Mr J.G. Ndirangu, who served as principal between 1974 and 1977, expressed his excitement about returning to the institution almost 50 years later.

“I have never been excited like I am today. I was here almost 50 years ago. I am happy that I am part of this achievement,” Mr Ndirangu said.

Lauding the strides the school has made since his departure, Mr Ndirangu could not hide his joy at attending the auspicious occasion accompanied by his dear wife, Mrs Ndirangu.

“I can see a lot of development. I am happy to be here. I am happy to be associated with this school,” Mr Ndirangu noted.

Influential businessman and Chairman of the Eastleigh Business District Association, Ahmed Abdullahi Yare who also served as principal of Wajir High School was among the luminaries whose presence added weight to the colourful event.

Addressing the current cohort of students, Mr Yare spoke passionately about discipline as the cornerstone of performance and success.

“Your first goal must be to build your character. Once you build your character and you work hard, the sky is the limit,” Mr Yare told the students.

Another former principal, Dr Elyas Abdi, now Director General of Basic Education, led a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Education. Representing Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, Dr Elyas praised his former school.

“A 60-year journey is not a small feat. This anniversary is a launchpad for the future,” Dr Elyas said, urging current students to pull up their socks in pursuit of academic excellence.

“A plain has been an elusive grade in this school and I want to challenge the current students to break that record,” Dr Elyas added.

School Demands

Meanwhile, local political leaders, including MPs from Garissa, Mandera, and Wajir many of whom are old boys of Wajir High School joined the commemoration.

Mandera Senator Ali Roba, Wajir Senator Abass Sheikh, Wajir East MP Aden Daud, Wajir North MP Ibrahim Saney, Wajir West MP Yussuf Farah, and Mandera North MP Major Bashir Abdullahi were among the prominent leaders who once studied at the school.

“I am excited to join you in the celebrations of the 60th anniversary,” said Mandera North MP Major Bashir Abdullahi, who urged his colleagues to support ongoing efforts to improve the school’s learning environment.

“As leaders we know the demand of the school is huge. I urge the local MPs to consider supporting the school through their CDF kitty. Let’s take our turn to provide facilities required to match that of national schools,” said Major Bashir.

Also present were Tarbaj MP Hussein Abdi Barre, Wajir South MP Mohamed Adow, Garissa Town MP Major Dekow, Garissa Women MP Udgoon Siyad, and Wajir Women MP Fatuma Jehow.

“It is a great honour to be present. Wajir High School is not like any other institution. It is a pioneer institution. To the students, you have inherited a great heritage,” said Wajir South MP Mohamed Adow.

Ali Roba, the Mandera Senator, advised students to strengthen their personal character and discipline in order to succeed academically.

“To the students, the key to your success is self-discipline. Remember the alumni of the school are doing wonders,” the senator said.

Wajir Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed, himself an old boy, praised the joyous occasion and commended the school’s academic legacy.

“I am happy to be part of this celebration. Wajir has been the centre of learning with Wajir High School as a leading institution. I wish the school and its fraternity the best,” the Deputy Governor said.

Windfall of Goodies

The anniversary brought a windfall of goodies from alumni and sponsors, unwrapping a ribbon of blessings for the school’s future. A successful fundraising drive led by Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale raised over KES 111 million, including a commitment for a borehole and accessories from the County Government of Wajir.

“I was particularly delighted to see the Wajir High School Alumni Association come together to raise funds and support their alma mater. It’s truly inspiring to see alumni, including those in high places and those enjoying their retirement, actively contributing to the school’s future,” said Ahmed Abdullahi, the Governor of Wajir and Chair of the Council of Governors.

The governor highlighted the impressive growth of the education sector in the county over the last six decades, including an impressive rise in the number of public schools.

“We’ve witnessed incredible growth, from just one secondary school in 1965 to 81 secondary schools and over 350 primary schools across Wajir County today! This remarkable expansion underscores our community’s unwavering commitment to education.”

Sealing the 60th anniversary celebration with a symbol of progress, the guest of honour, CS Aden Duale, presented the key to a new school bus to the school management. He also thanked corporate and individual supporters for their generous contributions.

Safaricom Foundation donated a whopping Ksh. 37 million, while KCB Foundation and the County Government of Wajir each pledged Ksh. 12 million. An additional Ksh. 20 million came from the Ministry of Education and Ksh. 10.5 million from the Alumni Association.

“I am so happy today. The old boys are amazing. We were taught by teachers and principals from this school. We must make this school like Starehe, Alliance, Mangu, and other national schools,” said CS Duale.