School with a life-changing vision
ENTERTAINMENT
By
Mike Kihaki
| Mar 23, 2024
Thika School for the Blind has for decades proved to be a beacon of hope for talent development.
The school has graduated some of the country's greatest gospel artistes, sports personalities, actors and politicians across the region.
Mary Atieno
Mary Atieno is one of the school's former students. It was not easy for Mary to succeed as a visually impaired woman at a time when music was considered male-dominated.
Her songs Adamu na Eva, Sodoma na Gomora and Hakuna Mungu Mwingine held top positions for two years in a row.
Other songs include Jerusalem Mpya, Nirudieni, Hakuna Mungu Kama Wewe, Usiogope, Yesu ni Jawabu, Nimeokoka, Nani kama Yesu and Usife Moyo, which earned her a Groove Award in 2012.
For three decades, she has proven beyond reasonable doubt that her ability is in her voice.
"Music is a great achievement, it brought joy to our lives and made us travel far to meet different people. It raised my self-esteem and made me believe that I am able," Mary said.
Mary has over 13 albums under her belt, ranging from when music production was done on disks, then cassettes, and now CDs.
After high school, she joined Kenyatta University as a Bachelor of Education student and carried on with her passion for music.
Reuben Kigame
Reuben Kigame is another household name in the gospel who passed through the school between 1981 and 1986.
He then joined Kenyatta University in 1987-1990 and graduated with a Bachelor of Education with a major in History, Philosophy and Religious Studies.
Reuben is a singer, writer, producer, radio presenter, and widely read on Christian apologetics.
The award-winning artiste was feted by former President Mwai Kibaki with the Order of Grand Warrior in recognition of his exemplary work in the industry.
His notable songs are Ombi Langu, Sina Mungu Mwingine, Huniachi, Pokea sifa, Bwana Ni Mchungaji, Nitainua Macho yangu, Enda Nasi, Neno Moja and Nimetamani.
Others are Baba Yetu, Mbinug Za Hubiri, Vita Vizuri, I have Tasted/Nimeonja and Wastahili Bwana.
"Despite my visual disability, I am thankful that my parents and siblings did not treat me the way other children living with disability in my country are treated. This is probably the reason for my great confidence and courage in life," he says.
Dennis 'Denno' Karanja
Dennis Karanja whose stage name is Denno, is another budding Gospel Singer, who rose to fame with his hit song Mbona, (why me!).
Denno is an inspiring gospel singer and a mentor to rising artistes through his ministry.
Born on July 21, 1988, he ventured into music in 2010 after clearing school. With time, their certainty developed and they began performing in places of worship and shows.
Denno's other songs include Ninapokuita, Story yangu, Safari, Nakupenda, Ebenezer, Naona Mbali, Ombi Langu, Take Over and Bado.
Other notable alumni include government spokesman Isaac Mwaura and former legislator Josephine Sinyo.
Founded in 1946, Thika School for the Blind emerged from a heartfelt discussion initiated by two nursing sisters from the Nairobi Hospital, advocating for blind welfare.
This led to the establishment of educational and training facilities with two pioneer blind youths, with the support of medical and government authorities.
Under the guidance of Major and Mrs. E. Colonel Barell, the school opened its doors in January 1942, to the first cohort of 25 students in Nairobi.
It later moved to Thika in 1946 under senior major Edward Osborne in a rehabilitation centre for soldiers who were maimed in the Second World War.
The school curriculum focused on vocational skills including cobbling shoes, basket-making, Braille literacy and general academics.
Over the years, Thika School for the Blind has evolved, introducing departments for Domestic Science, Nursery, and Vocational Training.
The school embraced academic education in 1956, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.
In November 1964, the school admitted its first cohort who took the Cambridge Overseas Certificate examination, paving the way for future successes.