Schools have been challenged to strengthen their alumni networks to foster stronger connections, mentorship, and institutional support.
The Principal Secretary (PS) in the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, said collaboration between the institutions, their alumni networks, and communities was key to improving education standards in the Coast region
He was speaking during the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Secondary School Alumni Association Iftar in Mombasa, where the inaugural fundraiser was held to mobilise funds to revamp the school’s library and transform it into a modern, learner-friendly, and spacious facility where students can comfortably study.
In the first phase of construction, the association aims to raise between Sh6 million and Sh8 million by leveraging support from more than 10,000 alumni of the institution.
PS Abdulrazak noted that education remains the greatest equaliser and the most powerful tool for transforming communities and creating opportunities for young people.
“In today’s world, it’s not just about what you know but also who you know. Through this network, we want to strengthen those connections,” stated the PS, encouraging alumni to continue giving back to society.
He disclosed that the school has produced several role models and continues to post impressive results in the KCSE examinations. Last year, the institution recorded a 100 per cent transition rate to university, with 17 straight A’s and 35 A- grades.
“These are very good examples that other schools can emulate. We want to ensure that education takes the front seat in the Coast region, and I believe Sheikh Khalifa will lead the way for others,” said PS Abdulrazak.
He further revealed that the government is exploring ways to bring society together to transform mindsets and cultural attitudes towards education so that communities can “leapfrog” to greater progress.
“This is a great opportunity for us to fundraise. We are just starting here, and we want to encourage all alumni out there to continue making their contributions to these worthy causes,” he appealed.
The PS also emphasised that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are becoming increasingly important as the country seeks to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting national development.
He pointed to major development projects in the Coast region, including the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, the expansion of the Port of Mombasa, and the LAPSSET Corridor, saying they will create significant employment opportunities that will require both academic and technical skills.
According to Prof. Abdulrazak, preparing young people through quality education and skills training will enable them to take advantage of these economic opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth.
“This LAPSSET Corridor is a game changer in my opinion. It presents a great opportunity for us to give back to our children who have been blessed with knowledge and help them venture into diverse fields of work,” said the PS.
On his part, Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor lauded the fundraising initiative, noting that collective efforts would help ensure vulnerable children have access to education.
He noted that the transition rate to Grade 10 currently stands at 88 per cent, adding that chiefs are actively tracing children who have not reported to school. “We want our children to go to school,” he said.
By Sadik Hassan
