Ruto: How Kapsabet High shaped my presidential ambitions

President William Ruto has credited Kapsabet High School for playing a pivotal role in shaping his leadership ambitions and outlook on life, describing his return to the institution as both symbolic and deeply personal.

The President said the occasion was more than a commemoration of a historic academic institution; it was a homecoming to a place that helped shape his character, discipline and dreams.

The President said he arrived at the school after completing his O-Level studies at Wareng High School, carrying little more than hope and ambition.

“I joined this great institution around this very time of the year in 1985 as student number 5065 in Form Five and became a resident of Cheruiyot Dormitory, Solai House,” he recalled.

“At the time, fresh from completing my O-Levels at Wareng High School, I walked through these gates carrying little more than hope, ambition and a dream whose true meaning I did not yet fully understand.”

More than four decades later, Ruto said the memories remain vivid from classrooms and laboratories to playgrounds and long walks across the school compound.

“I remember the classrooms, the dormitories, the laboratories, the playgrounds, the long walks across this compound, the friendships, the discipline, and the dreams quietly taking shape in the hearts of young men who had no idea what the future held for them,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey, the President invoked the words of Steve Jobs, the late co-founder of Apple, who famously said that life’s events can only be connected in hindsight.

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. You have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future,” Ruto quoted.

He said many of the “dots” that shaped his life and eventual rise to the presidency began connecting during his time at Kapsabet High.

“It is here that I learned the value of discipline, the importance of hard work and the courage to dream beyond circumstance,” he said.

Ruto noted that Kapsabet High School, established in 1925, is among the oldest institutions of learning in Kenya and predates Alliance High School by a year.

He added that the school holds a unique distinction in Kenya’s history, having shaped two of the five presidents who have led the country since independence.

Beyond producing national leaders, the President said Kapsabet High has nurtured thousands of professionals who have gone on to serve the country in different capacities.

“It is not only about presidents. Thousands who passed through these gates carried dreams in their hearts and determination in their minds and went on to become teachers, doctors, scientists, entrepreneurs, athletes and public servants,” he said.

Ruto urged the students to believe in the power of education regardless of their backgrounds.

“Some of you may come from humble homes. Some of you may come from villages and towns whose names are not widely known. 41 years ago, I was exactly where you are today. Just like you, I carried dreams whose full meaning I did not yet understand. This school helped give those dreams direction. It will do the same for you,” he said.

The President emphasised that his administration has prioritised education because of his firm belief that it remains the most powerful equaliser in society.

He added that investing in education remains central to the government’s national transformation agenda.

He spoke on Thursday when he attended the Kapsabet Boys' Centenary Celebrations. The President donned the Kapsabet Boys' uniform.

Ruto rocked the maroon, white, and grey attire along with Nandi County Governor Stephen Sang and the Immigration PS Belio Kipsang to showcase their unity in celebrating the key anniversary.