Use school and college alumni to boost Kenya’s economic growth

Opinion and Analysis

Mukumu Girls’ alumni association member, Justice Hellen Wasilwa, talks to students during a mentorship programme at the school in Kakamega County. PHOTO | ISAACK WALE 

By CAROLINE MUGO

In Summary

• Education and knowledge are tools we have within our reach to tackle poverty.

Exactly 20 years ago, a group of us graduated from an all-girls secondary school situated in a Nairobi suburb. Only recently, at least 70 out of the 90 in my class were reunited, thanks to the power of social media.

So we are now planning to mark our 20-year anniversary with a reunion. But more important than feting the occasion, we have been contemplating ways in which we can give back to the school that, in hindsight, significantly contributed to who we have become today. 

Ideas are endless as to the possible ways we could make an impact. The idea which has earned my vote, however, is the proposal that we establish a fund that will support any student who is struggling to meet their tuition and other financial needs, as well as for rewarding top performing students with scholarships at the school.

While that is an ongoing conversation, it is one that has got me thinking about the role that we play or don’t play in the welfare of institutions of learning we went through as old boys and girls.

If the truth be told, most Kenyans who went to local schools would never dream of having their children attend the same schools they themselves attended.

Most will not even reveal which schools they attended. Reason? They remember a run down, dilapidated and neglected establishment with poor or declining academic performance. This is more so in the rural and marginalised areas where conditions are less forgiving.

But whatever the cause to shy away from any association with our former schools, it is time to give these physical landmarks of our past lives a rethink.

Old students have a place in the education system, whether at primary, secondary or institutions of higher learning.

The concept of school alumni or old student associations, is not a new one and in some countries, old student associations have a significant influence on the development of the institutions they once called school.

In Kenya or Africa, however, the concept of giving back has not set deep enough roots. It is somewhat strong in the more affluent schools, which are most likely to be private, but very weak in the public schools’ domain.

Yet, public schools and learning institutions in Kenya can be credited with generating the greater proportion of the workforce available today.

At the moment, education has received considerable attention as far the national budget allocation is concerned, taking 25 per cent share of the national cake.

This is mostly in support of free education and tuition in secondary schools. Still, facilities are inadequate and basic learning equipment lacking altogether in many schools.

To fully reform, equip and energise Kenya’s education system will take more than just the government, parents and teachers. It will take a fourth force-the old student.

And that could only happen if the culture of giving back to our former institutions of learning takes root. A strong association of the old students is an extremely effective tool in the advancement and improvement of public schools.