Ruto recalls missing Starehe Boys’ admission
By Kiprono Keileb, October 12, 2025President William Ruto has shared a personal story from his childhood, revealing how he once dreamed of joining Starehe Boys Centre while in Class Seven but did not get the opportunity, despite performing well in his national exams.
Speaking during the 70th anniversary celebrations of the African Inland Church (AIC) Ziwani, held at the Starehe Boys field in Nairobi on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the President reminisced about his school days and the strong reputation that Starehe Boys held even back then.
Ruto told the congregation that as a young boy, he admired the school after one of his village mates joined Starehe, earning admiration and respect back home. He said that at the time, joining the prestigious school was seen as a mark of great success and transformation.
“Nilitamani sana kuja Starehe nikiwa class 7 lakini sikupata bahati. Nilitamani kuja hapa kwa sababu kuna jamaa mmoja wa kijiji yetu alikuja hapa kwa kuwa the best student. Huko kijiji mtu akikuja Nairobi, maneno makubwa sana hayo, alafu Starehe Boys Centre, miujiza,” said Ruto.
The President said he had prayed for the chance to join the school, hoping his exam results would open that door.
“Niliomba Mungu anisaidie pia nipite mtihani ndio nikuje Starehe. Nikifanya CPE nikawa best student nikapata 33 out of 36, sasa nikakosa nafasi ya kuja Starehe,” he recalled.
Although he never joined Starehe Boys, President Ruto expressed his deep appreciation for the institution and pledged to support its development. He announced that the government will allocate Ksh 60 million to replace asbestos roofing at the school as part of improving its infrastructure.
“Nimeambiwa kuna paa bado iko na asbestos ambayo imepigwa marufuku; serikali itatoa shilingi milioni 60 so that we can change and support infrastructure in this school. Wanafunzi wakifunga shule mwezi ujao tutakuja kufanya hio kazi,” he said.
Ruto added that the government will also send 20 more teachers to support the school’s academic programs.
“Hata ingawa nilikosa nafasi ya kuja Starehe, wacha nitengeneze hii paa ndio angalau niwe nimejenga ushirikiano na Starehe Boys Centre. Pia tutaleta walimu 20,” he said.
The event was attended by top government officials and church leaders, where the President’s remarks drew laughter and applause as he connected his personal story to a pledge of national support for education.