Kapsabet High: Inside the elite national school where William Ruto was raised

  • Kapsabet High School has celebrated 100 years since its establishment, with William Ruto attending the centenary celebrations and being appointed as the guardian of the institution
  • Ruto, who is a former student of the school who studied there in the early 1980s, promised to build new classrooms, a science building and a dormitory with a capacity of 1,000 students to expand the school’s infrastructure
  • The prestigious national school in Nandi County has produced notable graduates, including former president the late Daniel arap Moi, the late Nicholas Biwott, Samson Cherargei and javelin champion Julius Yego among others

Kapsabet High School has reached a big milestone after completing 100 years since its establishment, celebrating the centenary with a big event attended by leaders and former students.

Kapsabet High School celebrated its 100th anniversary. Photo: William Ruto, Kapsabet High.
Source: Facebook

Over the years, the institution has grown to become one of the best secondary schools in Kenya, producing many notables who have gone on to hold high government positions.

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Kapsabet High celebrates 100 years

Among his famous students is William Ruto, who studied A-level at the national school in the early 1980s before completing his studies in 1985.

While at the school, Ruto was captain of Solai House, chairman of the Christian Union, and also played volleyball.

The president attended the centenary celebrations where he was appointed as the guardian of the school, a position he said he will take seriously to help guide important decisions and stimulate the development of the institution.

Speaking at the event, the president promised to help expand school infrastructure.

“To ensure that more students benefit from the quality culture of this school, we are committed to expanding the infrastructure of this institution. This includes the construction of a science building, 40 additional classrooms, a dormitory with the capacity to accommodate 1,000 students, and hiring 20 teachers who are now on the payroll of the Board of Management, through the **Teachers Service Commission>,” he said.

During the visit, the president and other senior government officials including Stephen Sang and Belio Kipsang wore the school’s uniform, seen wearing a school blazer and tie.

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The event created excitement on social media, with many praising the president for the gesture and recognizing the school that helped shape his leadership journey.

William Ruto speaking at the Kapsabet High centenary celebrations.
William Ruto was appointed guardian of Kapsabet High. Photo: William Ruto.
Source: Facebook

Inside Kapsabet High

William Ruto studied at one of the most prestigious national boys’ schools in the country.

The school is located in Kapsabet town in Nandi County, about 40 kilometers from Eldoret.

According to Ministry of Education In Kenya, the institution is classified in Cluster 1 (C1), which is the highest level for national secondary schools.

The school’s mission is to provide quality education services in a student-friendly environment where students can reach their full potential.

Its vision is to be the best school in the country while maintaining professionalism and academic excellence.

According to the school:

“At Kapsabet High School, we consider important values ​​that are the basis of our educational philosophy and guide our communication and decisions. These values ​​include hard work, success orientation, self-discipline, efficiency, purpose and competence.”

The school’s motto is: “Strive to Excel.”

History of Kapsabet High

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The institution was founded in 1925 and since then has continued to be a symbol of academic excellence.

It was originally established as the Government African School (GAS) to provide education to African students, a step that was different from the previous schools that were only under the mission. The institute provided vocational training as well as academic studies.

Over the decades, it evolved from a regional school to a prestigious national institution, and is now recognized as a bastion of STEM studies.

The school uniform is known for its maroon, white and gray colors. Students wear a maroon blazer or sweater with a white shirt and gray pants.

A photo showing the infrastructure at Kapsabet High.
Kapsabet High boasts a state of the art infrastructure. Photo: Kapsabet Top.
Source: Facebook

Kapsabet High KCSE Result

The school has built a reputation for excellent academic performance supported by modern infrastructure and experienced teachers.

According to the school’s website:

“We strive to create a stimulating and supportive learning environment where students can unlock their full potential. We offer a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for success in higher education and the challenges of the modern world.”

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In the 2026 KCSE examinations, the school continued to maintain its good record of results.

It recorded 98 per cent of students entering higher education, with only five students missing the minimum grade of C+ required for direct entry to university.

According to the school principal Kipchumba Maiyo, the school got an average of 10 points (B+), which was only 0.1 less than the 2025 results.

Kapsabet High fee structure

As of January 2026, Kapsabet High School, being a national boarding school, follows the government standardized fee structure.

Parents are expected to pay approximately KSh 53,554 per year under the updated fee system for upper secondary schools (Grade 10 and above).

Additional costs may include repairs, maintenance, utilities and uniforms.

Famous students of Kapsabet High

William Ruto is not the only top leader who studied at the school.

The late former president Daniel arap Moi he also studied there between 1935 and 1942 when the school was still called Government African School (GAS).

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The late Nicholas Biwott also studied at Kapsabet High School in the 1950s.

Kipruto arap Kirwa studied A-level in the school between 1981 and 1982.

Samson Cherargei he studied there between 2003 and 2006 and was the chairman of the SDA.

Other notable students include javelin champion Julius Yego and National Treasury Secretary Chris Kiptoo.

William Ruto (centre) posing for a photo with other Kapsabet High graduates.
Chris Kiptoo, Belio Kipsang, William Ruto and Stephen Sang are some of the famous students of Kapsabet High. Photo: William Ruto.
Source: Facebook

Inside Nairobi School

TUKO.co.ke also previously conducted a detailed analysis about Nairobi School.

The national school for boys in Nairobi is well known for its excellent academic record, modern infrastructure and distinguished students who have studied there, including the Assistant Prime Minister Stay Mudavadi and the late musician Roger Whittaker.

Apart from academics, the institution is also known for its organized boarding system, which has made it a popular choice for the children of prominent families, including famous and influential people.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke