Alliance High School is gearing up for its centenary celebrations in 2026 with an ambitious Sh229 million project that includes a multipurpose hall and a digital library.

The project seeks to enhance the school’s infrastructure as it approaches 100 years since inception.

The school’s 99th Founder’s Day brought together over 1,000 former and current students, alongside administrators, for a special prayer session and a fundraiser in support of the project. The event marked the beginning of a countdown to the centenary, with the new facilities expected to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

The construction, which started in 2023, was initially estimated to cost Sh220 million, but adjustments and improvements pushed the budget up by Sh9 million.

As per the set funding structure, alumni are responsible for raising Sh110 million, the school Sh80 million, and the four sponsoring churches, Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), African Inland Church (AIC) and Methodist Church, will provide Sh22 million.

Currently the project stands 60 pc complete. Nine construction certificates have been issued, with six already settled at a cost of Sh77 million. However, three certificates worth Sh39.4 million are pending and the remaining funding gap stands at Sh112.8 million.

The school remains optimistic about securing the necessary funds to bring the project to completion within the next year.

Alliance High School Principal David Kamau clarified that the project would be financed by all stakeholders with the funding shares being split on a 50:40:10 ratio, respectively.

The project manager, Aggrey Maganga, along with engineer Eric Kamau Njunu from NK Brothers, described the construction as a groundbreaking development. A master plan for the school, led by Professor Ambenya, ensures that the new facilities will meet both current and future needs.

He spoke of the sustainable aspects of the project, noting, that it involves a multiparty team approach ranging from the construction consultants and financial advisors, with the team being led by an alumnus.

He further explained that locally sourced materials would be prioritized to reduce the carbon footprint, and the facility would utilize solar power and a rainwater harvesting system.

“The building’s design incorporates advanced acoustic technology, optimal thermal comfort for the auditorium, natural ventilation, and efficient energy use,” Maganga stated.

The development consists of three key sections: a 4,600 seat auditorium, a digital library and an ICT center to cater for the school’s improving tech standards. Additionally, a theater is being built behind the main auditorium, to give room for major events at the school.

“We need your support so that in the next 365 days, we can complete this project,” Maganga urged.

The chairman of the Old Boys Association, Luchirio Omoto, described the 99th Founder’s Day as a moment of pride. He noted alumni contributions to the school date back as early as 1931, long before the institution was officially registered in 1959.

“I always knew that the school was registered in 1959, but just yesterday, I discovered that as early as 1934, former students were already giving back to the school. This demonstrates the deep connection between Alliance and its alumni,” he said.

“We used to say that we were giving back to the community, but now we are restoring our school. I will no longer say I am giving back; instead, I will use the term ‘restoring’ because that is the true meaning of our efforts.”