Alliance High School has been a beacon of academic excellence in Kenya since its founding in 1926.
Established through the relentless efforts of Dr. John Arthur and a group of Protestant missionaries, the institution was created to provide formal education to Africans.
The school’s very first student was James Muigai Johnstone, former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s uncle.
Family life
James’ parents, Wambui and Muigai had three children, but tragedy struck early.
Their firstborn, Kung’u, died in infancy, and their third child disappeared during World War I.
The second child, Kamau wa Muigai, survived and later became a key figure in James’s life.
After Muigai’s passing, Wambui was inherited by Muigai’s brother, Ngengi, according to Agikuyu customs.
This union brought forth James Muigai, named in honor of Wambui’s deceased husband.
Tragically, Wambui passed away shortly after James’s birth, leaving Kamau wa Muigai, now called Kamau wa Ngengi, to raise him.
Christianity and education
When Scottish missionaries arrived in Kikuyu, Kamau wa Ngengi embraced Christianity and adopted the name Johnstone.
He ensured his younger brother, James, was also baptized.
When Alliance High School opened its doors, Johnstone Kamau sought James’s admission.
As James’s guardian, Johnstone’s name appeared in the records, registering James as “James Muigai s/o Johnstone.”
He became the first student admitted among 27 pioneers.
Alliance High School
James recalled that the school was surrounded by thick forest, earning it the nickname “Bush” that persists to this day.
The founding headmaster, G.A. Grieve, described the early challenges in his diary, noting the absence of proper paths and the school’s rudimentary facilities—two wooden blocks in the middle of the forest.
Grieve and the school carpenter carved a 2-kilometer path through the dense bush to help students find their way.
Despite these obstacles, the pioneer students, including the youngest, 20-year-old Eliud s/o Mathu, made it to the school.
Alliance High School instilled a culture of discipline, academic excellence, and personal grooming.
The boys were taught the importance of timekeeping, neatness, and dressing appropriately—values that shaped their futures.
Life after Alliance High School
After graduating, James began his career as a teacher.
His brother, Johnstone Kamau, delved into politics and later became Kenya’s founding president, Jomo Kenyatta.
James rose through the ranks, transitioning from teaching to becoming an inspector of schools.
In those days, both teachers and school inspectors wore shorts—a reflection of the times.
Remarkable achievements
Despite his brother’s political prominence, James charted his own path.
He never relied on Jomo Kenyatta for help, instead supporting his brother by lending him money to buy his first suits before his presidential appointment.
James eventually became a wealthy landowner, acquiring large coffee farms and running successful businesses.
He attributed his success to hard work and self-reliance, leaving behind a legacy of achievement when he passed away.
Notably, James’ story is one of resilience, discipline, and independence.
As Alliance High School’s first student, his life reflects the school’s enduring values of excellence and integrity.
