Joan Waithaka, born on June 14, 1929, in Kamandura, Limuru, made history as the first African principal of Alliance Girls High School.
Her father, Musa Gitau, was a prominent Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) clergyman and educator who championed equal education for both boys and girls.
Gitau not only taught Mzee Jomo Kenyatta but also played a significant role as Kenyatta’s sponsor during his initiation in 1913.
Education
Joan attended the Church of Scotland Mission Primary School in Thogoto, where she excelled in her studies, passing her Primary School Certificate in 1941 alongside Margaret Kenyatta.
At the time, junior secondary education for girls was unavailable.
Nevertheless, Joan broke barriers by becoming one of the first three girls to enroll at Alliance High School in 1944, then an all-boys institution.
Alliance High School
Joan’s tenure at Alliance High School was marked by remarkable achievements.
She not only outperformed her male peers, clinching the top position in her class but also became the first girl to score a Division One in the Cambridge School Certificate Examination.
Joan also served as Senior Girl, a leadership position that highlighted her exemplary character and academic prowess.
Higher education and early teaching career
After graduating, Joan pursued a diploma in education at Makerere University, becoming the first Kenyan woman to enroll and graduate with a teaching certificate diploma.
Upon her return to Kenya, she embarked on a career as a history teacher, instructing students such as Dr. Eddah Gachukia, Mary Kiamakiru, and her sister Edith Matiba.
Joan’s teaching journey took her to Machakos Girls High School, Thogoto Teachers Training College, and Highridge Teachers College before she was appointed headmistress of Nairobi Girls Secondary School in 1968.
Leadership at Alliance Girls High School
In 1969, Joan became the principal of Alliance Girls High School, succeeding Mary Bruce.
Her appointment marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s educational history, as she became the first African to lead the prestigious institution.
Known for her strict discipline, she was also affectionately referred to as Auntie by her students.
Joan served as principal for 15 years, shaping the lives of countless young women and fostering a culture of excellence.
Post-retirement contributions
After retiring in 1984, Joan continued her dedication to education by serving on the boards of institutions such as Thogoto Teachers Training College, Kiambu Institute of Science and Technology, and the Education Review Commission.
Her contributions to education were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Order of the Burning Spear (Second Class) from retired President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi and the Distinguished Service Award from Kenyatta University.
Joan passed away in 2019 and was laid to rest at her family home in Kentmere, Limuru.
Notably, her remarkable legacy as a trailblazer in education and an advocate for women’s empowerment continues to inspire future generations.
