By Gerald Mukembu
Former students of Galbatula High School are rallying community support and resources to restore their alma mater to the prestigious institution it once was in the 1980s and 1990s.
David Ruito, the current Principal, reflected on the school’s decline, noting that after a two-year closure in 2000, it has struggled to regain its former stature.
“This school would not be in its current state if all stakeholders were committed to its success. We hold the responsibility to oversee and uphold this institution,” he stated.
Ruito explained that parent concerns regarding security led to a significant drop in student enrollment before the school’s temporary closure. Although it reopened in 2002 as a District School, it faced challenges in attracting students. “This school has produced esteemed leaders, lawyers, and educators who are respected both domestically and abroad,” he added.
Recent initiatives have seen an increase in student enrollment and academic performance. The school community has also acquired a school bus, installed DSTV, and undertaken various improvements.
To further enhance the school’s infrastructure, the alumni have embarked on renovating six dormitories, upgrading classrooms, and acquiring necessary educational resources and equipment to elevate the institution’s status.
During the school’s 50th anniversary celebration, alumni leaders pledged their support for the rehabilitation efforts.
Area MP Muhamed Tupi Tupi emphasized the initiative’s aim to reclaim the school’s lost prestige, underscoring its historic competition with notable institutions like Alliance High School and Mang’u High School. “In the 80s and 90s, Galbatula was a beacon of excellence. We convene today as alumni to reinstate that status, which has been challenged by issues such as insecurity and infrastructural decline. My office has taken steps, including road improvements and establishing police camps, to restore the school’s standing,” he affirmed.
Furthermore, Tupi shared that the recent drought placed a significant strain on local families, prompting him to allocate 35% of the CDF funds to support student needs that go beyond government capitation fees, ensuring that essential resources are readily available.
Kabelo, the chairperson of the Galbatula Alumni, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from local leaders and the community. “Alumni from around the world are eager to contribute. By renovating dormitories and classrooms, we aim to attract more students. The internal conditions may be poor now, but significant improvements are on the horizon,” he stated.
He emphasized their ambition to advocate for future generations of students, highlighting the school’s unique architecture and facilities that distinguish it from others across the country.
Kabelo recalled the formation of the alumni association in 2013, mentioning their successful fundraising efforts, including one attended by the current President William Ruto when he was Deputy President. “We successfully acquired a school bus and a van through CDF funds and alumni contributions,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Kabelo expressed optimism that by 2026, Galbatula would emerge as a center of scientific study, ready to accommodate a diverse student body.
Noor Ibrahim, another alumnus, announced plans to visit the Education Cabinet Secretary to discuss strategies for elevating Galbatula’s educational standards while expressing appreciation for local residents’ support during the elections.
“I understand the legacy of excellence that Galbatula holds. My vision is to establish a constituent university college focused on teaching and livestock production, which would serve over 20,000 students and create numerous job opportunities,” he said.
Education officer Caroline Mugo highlighted the community’s imperative to restore Galbatula’s status as an educational powerhouse. “Galbatula once stood tall among elite schools in Isiolo and the country. Together, we can uplift it to its former glory. With a government packed with alumni and influential professionals, I believe we will achieve the high standards we aspire to,” she asserted.
Mugo also emphasized the need for a tertiary institution to support local students and addressed the failings of educational opportunities in Isiolo, particularly for students scoring lower grades. “ATechnical Training Institute would greatly benefit this community, enabling more students to pursue their academic goals. We are committed to nurturing local talent and establishing a talent development center,” she concluded.
