Big names set for reunion 30 years after graduation

An alumni meeting at Kenyatta University today is expected to gather about 3,000 teachers who graduated on February 22, 1990.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is expected to lead his classmates, who include entrepreneurs, politicians, diplomats and teachers for the grand reunion almost three decades later.

Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, Principal Secretaries Torome Saitoti and Margaret Mwakima, Ambassador Hellen Adhiambo Gichuhi of UNESCO, Paris, Ambassador Lucy Kiruthu of Kenya’s Permanent Mission to UN in Geneva, Mt Kenya University founder Simon Gicharu are some of the 1990 alumni.

Others are Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, former Kasarani MP Elizabeth Ongoro, lawyer Danston Omari, publisher Simon Sossion, former KBC Managing Director Waithaka Waihenya, Munyori Buku, formerly of the Presidential Press and Strategic Unit and Priscilla Njuguna, a public relations consultant.

“The list is long and during the meeting, we shall get to know who else is doing what and how we can leverage on everyone’s potential to impact society,” said Gicharu.

More than 1,000 high school principals and their families are also expected to attend the meeting.

“We have a re-union in on February 22. Don’t be left out. Invite others and let us network, do business, educate each other and grow,” said Ken Rutere who teachers at Kenyatta University.

PS Torome is the group chairman while Dr Julius Korir is the treasurer.

Plans for the reunion owere mooted last year after a senior government official lost a brother.

And as is the tradition of colleagues and friends creating a social group such as on Whatsapp to stand with families in need, an idea was born.

“In a very short time, the group was full. Members wanted to join in and it was overwhelming. And an idea was born,” said Ms Njuguna, who is the committee organising secretary.

It also emerged that during the meeting, the fallen heroes of the class will be honoured. “A minute of silence shall be observed in honour of the departed souls,” she said. A draft document dubbed KU90 Alumni Reunion reveals the group will seek to strengthen the association.

Among the key objectives include a session for members to network. The group also plans to hold meetings at county and sub county levels, building to a national convention.

“Alumni will organise get-togethers of common interest to members such as tours or visits in different counties and also organise other events of significance to members,” reads the document.

During the meetings, the group will consider investments to benefit members. Overall, the group plans to form a KU90 FOUNDATION.

“Members will also use their resources or source the same to support less privileged members through the proposed KU90 ALUMNI Foundation,” Njuguna said.