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Alliance alumni model for others to emulate
A dormitory built by Alliance High School alumni. The school built in the 1920s, boasts of a close and active old boys' club that from time to time sponsors needy students to achieve an education and build facilities that enhance the welfare of the student population.
Established on March 1, 1926, by the Alliance of Protestant Churches, Alliance High School is distinguished for academic brilliance and has consistently been ranked top 10 schools in national examinations.
The school boasts an impressive record for most consecutive years holding pole position in national examinations from 1960 to 1985, effectively cementing its reputation as a citadel of knowledge and learning.
Besides its towering academic feats, the premier institution holds one of the most vibrant alumni communities, comprising notable figures spanning diverse fields, who are generously giving back to their alma mater.
Last week, more than 1,000 former and current students together with the school’s administrators marked the Founder’s Day with special prayers and a fundraiser in support of projects as the institution gears for a centenary celebration due in 2026.
The alumni embarked on an ambitious Sh229 million project to construct a multi-purpose hall and digital library that will mark a major milestone in the school’s glorious history and leave a lasting legacy.
The signature project was conceptualised after the alumni recognised the strain on the institution’s infrastructure owing to swelling student numbers.
The alumni’s unwavering philanthropic support has over the years shaped the school’s transformative journey and ensured that Alliance continues to evolve and maintain its high standards.
Moreover, periodic reunions and alumni gatherings have fostered a sense of belonging and pride, instilling in students a deeper appreciation of their school’s heritage and a commitment to upholding its cherished values.
The roots of alumni associations can be traced back to ancient Greece, where renowned philosophers like Plato and Aristotle founded schools known as academies.
These institutions not only impart knowledge but also laid the foundation for the idea of lifelong learning and community engagement among graduates.
Harvard University is credited with establishing one of the earliest formal alumni associations in 1823.
In his inaugural address, Harvard President Josiah Quincy succinctly encapsulated the importance of alumni engagement, stating, “The ties that bind us to our beloved alma mater are timeless, transcending generations and enriching the lives of all who are part of the university community.”
Today, alumni associations play a crucial role in the life of educational institutions worldwide. They serve as bridges between past graduates and current students, offering mentorship, career guidance, scholarships, and networking opportunities.
Alumni associations have also expanded beyond geographical boundaries, thanks to advances in technology and social media, enhancing engagement and fostering lifelong connections among graduates.
In Kenya, the concept of giving back has not set deep enough roots to have a meaningful impact in the education sector. It is somewhat pronounced in the more affluent and amply resourced private institutions, but very weak in public schools, which are grappling with insufficient funding against the backdrop of burgeoning student enrollment.
Though the budgetary allocation to education has been increasing annually, hitting Sh656.6 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, the bulk of these monies have been apportioned towards supporting free education and tuition in secondary schools.
Still, facilities are inadequate and basic learning equipment lacking altogether, hence compromising the quality of education. To fully equip, reform, and vitalise Kenya’s education system will take more than just the efforts of the government, parents and teachers. It will be complemented by a critical fourth force—the alumni.
A strong and devoted association of old students is an extremely resourceful tool in the infrastructural improvement and advancement of schools.
Kenyan public schools stand to gain immensely by looking inward to the nation’s rich history of community-driven educational support to cultivate thriving alumni networks. The profound sense of commitment and engagement witnessed among the old students of Alliance High, often rooted in shared experiences and traditions, offers a compelling model.
By embracing a similar community-centric approach—one that not only prioritises shared values but also cultivates shared experiences and traditions—schools can establish robust alumni communities that fuel a continual loop of support and engagement.
Mentorship programmes, alumni-led career days, and similar initiatives can provide invaluable support to current students while bringing together and strengthening the alumni community’s bonds.
Additionally, in an increasingly digital world with diverse alumni demographics, schools must be innovative by exploring new strategies, such as virtual events and online mentoring programmes, to engage former students and persuade them to contribute towards their alma mater.
