On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Wajir High School, the oldest educational institution in Kenya’s former North Eastern Province, celebrated its 60th anniversary with a grand Diamond Jubilee that brought together alumni, students, educators, and leaders in a powerful display of unity, pride, and commitment to education.
The event, hosted by the Wajir High School Alumni Association, was a vibrant testament to the school’s enduring legacy of shaping leaders, fostering resilience, and driving progress in Wajir County and beyond.
A Historic Milestone for Wajir High School
Located in the heart of Wajir County, Wajir High School has been a beacon of learning since its establishment in 1965.
Over the past six decades, it has nurtured generations of professionals, including government officials, business leaders, engineers, diplomats, and aviation pioneers, cementing its reputation as a cradle of leadership and excellence.
The Diamond Jubilee was not only a celebration of the school’s storied past but also a forward-looking commitment to ensuring its continued impact for future generations.
The event, held at the school’s campus, was graced by an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who served as the chief guest, Wajir County Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, KCB CEO Paul Russo, Eastleigh Business Community Chair Mzee Ahmed Abdullahi Yare, and Mandera Senator Ali Roba.
Others included Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow, Garissa Woman Representative Udgoon Siyad, and several Members of Parliament from Wajir and Garissa counties, including Adan Daud Mohamed (Wajir East), Yussuf Mohamed Farah (Wajir West), Ibrahim Abdi Saney (Wajir North), and Maj. Rtd. Bashir Abdullahi (Mandera North).
Their presence underscored the school’s profound influence on Kenya’s political and social landscape.
A Celebration of Unity and Giving Back
The Diamond Jubilee was a vibrant affair, marked by heartfelt reunions, nostalgic reflections, and a shared commitment to the school’s future.
Hundreds of “Old Boys” and “Old Girls” traveled from across Kenya and abroad to reconnect with their alma mater, donning the school’s iconic uniform as a symbol of pride and belonging.
The event showcased the strength of the Wajir High School Alumni Association, which led a remarkable fundraising drive that raised over KES 111 million to enhance academic services.
The funds will support critical development projects, including the launch of a brand-new school bus and the groundbreaking for new infrastructure, ensuring that Wajir High School remains a hub of academic excellence.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who presided over the celebrations, commended the alumni’s generosity, stating, “The vibrant alumni network showcased its strength through generous contributions and a deep commitment to the school’s growth. This is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Wajir High School.”
Governor Ahmed Abdullahi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the transformative role of education in Wajir County. “From just one secondary school in 1965, we now have 81 secondary schools and over 350 primary schools across Wajir County,” he noted.
“This remarkable expansion underscores our community’s unwavering commitment to education. I applaud the alumni for rallying to support their alma mater and ensuring its continued success.”
A Legacy of Leadership
Wajir High School’s impact is evident in the caliber of its alumni, many of whom hold prominent positions in government, business, and other sectors.
Among the distinguished attendees was Principal Secretary for the State Department for Special Programmes, Ismail Maalim Madey, a former dormitory captain at the school.
His journey from a student at Wajir High to a senior government official exemplifies the school’s role in shaping disciplined and capable leaders. “Wajir High School played a foundational role in nurturing me, guiding me toward a successful career,” Madey said, reflecting on his time at the institution.
Another celebrated alumnus is Captain Hussein Unshur, co-founder of Bluebird Aviation, one of Kenya’s leading airlines.
His entrepreneurial journey, inspired by his late father, Mzee Unshur Mohammed, a retired paramount chief of Wajir, has seen Bluebird Aviation become a key player in air cargo and charter services.
The airline’s name, a tribute to a bird his father cherished, reflects the deep personal and cultural roots that continue to define Unshur’s success. “Wajir High School gave me the foundation to dream big and achieve my goals,” Unshur shared during the celebrations.
The school’s influence extends to Kenya’s political arena, with alumni like Mandera Senator Ali Roba, former Tarbaj MP Ahmed Bashane Gaal, and Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, who served as Speaker of the Mandera County Assembly before his election in 2022.
These leaders, among others, highlight Wajir High School’s consistent imprint on the political landscape of North Eastern Kenya.
Inspiring Stories of Resilience
The Diamond Jubilee also celebrated the contributions of women alumni, whose stories of resilience and determination inspired attendees.
Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow shared moving testimonies from pioneering women leaders who pursued education at Wajir High School in the 1970s, overcoming significant challenges.
“Their reflections remind us that if they could succeed in such trying times, we have every reason to strive for greater heights,” Jehow said. “Wajir High School’s legacy of empowerment is profound and continues to inspire us all.”
Garissa Woman Representative Udgoon Siyad described the school as “a cradle of leadership, character, and resilience for our region and the nation.”
She praised the teachers, alumni, students, and parents for their immeasurable contributions to the school’s legacy, adding, “May the next sixty years shine even brighter, guided by wisdom and grounded in service.”
A Vision for the Future
The celebrations also highlighted the leadership of Wajir High School’s current principal, Adan Kassim, a proud alumnus whose journey from student to teacher to principal embodies the school’s enduring spirit.
“It is a privilege to lead this institution that shaped me,” Kassim said. “We are committed to upholding Wajir High School’s tradition of excellence and preparing our students to lead with purpose.”
The event also recognized the contributions of former principals, including Mr. Ndirangu and Mr. Syuma, who played a pivotal role in shaping the school during its early years. Their presence at the Jubilee underscored the deep bonds between the school and its educators, past and present.
A United Effort for Education
The success of the Diamond Jubilee was a collaborative effort, with support from President William Ruto, the Ministry of Education, the private sector, the Wajir County Government, and the Wajir High School Alumni Association.
Their contributions are laying the foundation for a conducive learning environment, ensuring that the school continues to produce leaders who will shape the future of Wajir County and Kenya.
As Wajir High School embarks on its “second diamond era,” the message from the celebrations was clear: the school’s legacy of excellence, discipline, and community spirit will continue to inspire generations.
“Let us continue to invest in our youth and uphold Wajir’s legacy as an educational powerhouse,” Governor Abdullahi urged, encapsulating the shared vision for the school’s future.
Looking Ahead
The 60th anniversary of Wajir High School was a momentous occasion that celebrated six decades of academic excellence, leadership, and community impact.
From its humble beginnings in 1965 to its current status as a cornerstone of education in North Eastern Kenya, Wajir High School has proven that its motto, “Strive to Excel,” is more than just words—it is a way of life.
As the school looks to the future, its vibrant alumni network, dedicated educators, and supportive community ensure that it will continue to shape the minds and futures of generations to come.
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