Strathmore School has undergone various changes at the start of a promising new year.
The staff roster, among other things, has undergone a few changes with teachers leaving and new ones joining the school...

It was a year to be yearned. The end of the year saw most of the schools targets met; expansion of the parking lot, refurbishing of the basketball courts, re-tiling of the computer lab and music room and many more...

Finally, the compilation of The Bandit’s achievements and encounters has been published. Former Head-coach David Dimba (2002 – 2008) reveals all as he talks about the book.

Family, faculty, friends and fellow colleagues: top of the afternoon to you! On this auspicious day, I would like to extend to you a reflection on our four years in Strathmore School. What has been nothing less than a sensational journey for us is fast approaching its finale and we are gathered here today as testament to this fact! Bear with me, as I travel through history to share with you the story of this remarkable class of 2009. Ladies and gentlemen, our story is what legends are made of.
Unfortunately, at the very beginning of this chapter of our lives, we lost a friend we would have loved to get to know better: Terry Ochieng. We trust that he now rests peacefully in God’s able hands.
Four years ago, we began our epic voyage. That fateful first day in Form 1 brought together what could only be termed as 80 or so social misfits. We were, at best, a bunch of juveniles with a notorious disposition for breaking school rules. Many of us recall with amazing clarity the first few terrifying months of being a ‘mono’ and learning the ropes of dear Strathmore. We pushed rules to their boundaries, and this might I add, involved acts of untamed idiocy, as one teacher aptly put it. That was then! Today, I take utmost pride in proclaiming this Form 4 group as polished and debonair gentlemen. Needless to say, we learnt how to control our overindulgences and with time we channeled our youthful vigours in the right direction. We gradually found out that in Strathmore, all this was possible. Soon enough, we were duly amalgamated into the system; a system of endless tests, the dreaded homework and detention for the unfortunate transgressors. And really, we have learnt many a lesson during our time here. We mastered the intricacies of good old Newton in Physics and at the same time got our bearing and direction right in Geometry. Furthermore, the community service programme, which served as an integral part of our holidays, imparted in us a haunting moral responsibility to give back to society. The sports sessions, for one, will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Goals were conceded, tackles were missed, and in the process of the tears, and sometimes even bloodshed, the art of sportsmanship, teamwork and resilience was learnt. It is certainly not lost on us that none of this would have been possible without the help of God. To the Almighty, we reserve our biggest thanks yet for watching over us and being there to guide us.
Key to our longevity in this school, and indeed our whole lives, are our parents. Your undying conviction that we should stop at nothing to be the best has been our motivating factor. When we felt as if the entire world was against us, we ran to our dear mothers who offered us a shoulder to cry on. When we needed some tough love, our fathers could be counted upon to provide it. We assure you that even though your pockets may be considerably lighter, the investment that you made in us will one day pay off. Mum, Dad for believing in us even when we did not believe in ourselves, we thank you ever so much!
I would also like to acknowledge the teachers, tutors and priests here at Strathmore. It is you, our mentors, who, much before Barrack Obama, taught us that yes, we can change the world. As we sat through detention on a chilly Saturday morning even when we would much rather be warm in bed, it was difficult to feel grateful to that teacher who had so thoughtlessly ruined the weekend, but today we are filled with respect and admiration. In slaving through those grueling afternoon lessons that seemed to have no end, we have come to appreciate the immense effort that you have made for our sake. We are forever indebted to you.
Our heartfelt gratitude also goes out to the no-nonsense librarian, Jackton, who painstakingly tried to preserve the sanctity of his library when it threatened to degenerate into a marketplace, to the school bus drivers who were impeccable on the road, to the custodians of the dining hall whose meals were surely the highlight of our days and to all the other members of staff, who, through their industry and commitment, facilitated a conducive environment for our all-round betterment. Our years here have been littered with incredible achievements. Some of the more distinguished ones are worthy of mention. First, that it was the class of 2009 that was instrumental in the reinstating of the School Volleyball Team, which last graced the courts in 1995. Secondly, it is the class of 2009, which ensured that cricket, a fairly young sport in the school would keep its fire burning. Thirdly, it is the class of 2009 that came up with the Lisha Kenya Jenga Kenya campaign, a truly phenomenal venture to aid the millions of Kenyans who were, and still are, facing starvation. Elsewhere, who will ever forget the Bandits and their timeless exploits, the Sangomas who would give FC Barcelona a run for their money, and the Pirates, who lived up to their name, at least on the courts.
Talking of achievements, in a few weeks time, we embark on the sternest test of our lives so far. Four years of academic inculcation will culminate in what promises to be an interesting encounter with the K.C.S.E examinations. Rest assured that it is an exam in which we have a burning aspiration to redefine scholastic excellence. As the sun sets on our enchanted affair with the school of Strathmore, so does it dawn on a new era, an era which will undoubtedly bring with it new challenges and horizons. We will thus be able to look back to our alma mater as the genesis of the greatness that lies in store for us. To my fellow graduands, I urge you to pursue all your hopes, dreams and ambitions. I dare you to dream big and achieve greatness, the type of greatness similar to the Slytherin spirit spoken of by J.K. Rowling, for that is what sets men apart from boys. To the rest of the students, a word of caution: “If you think knowledge is expensive, try the cost of ignorance....”
Finally, ladies and gentlemen, I give you the class of 2009...................

In Form 1 this young helped the school’s soccer “B” team win the ISSSL “B” league in addition to representing the school as a basketball “B” team member.

In Form 2 effortlessly graduated into the school’s rugby “B” team and similarly secured a place in the main basketball and soccer teams. In soccer, he effectively represented the country in a series of high-profile international tournaments in Sweden with his greatest achievements being his selection into the Kenya Under-17 squad and winning the under 18 age category tourney in Norrkoping.

In Form 3, our nominee not only clearly distinguished himself while playing for the basketball, rugby and soccer teams but also once again represented the country in the competitive under-18 category in the Dana cup in Sweden. He also emerged Athlete of the Year.

This year, apart from playing in all the school teams, He fittingly emerged as a semi-finalist in the Strathmore Tennis Tournament in both the singles and doubles along with his equally-gifted look-alike twin-brother. To cut the long story short due to time constraints, it must finally be stated that he was unanimously elected a class captain throughout his secondary schooling in acknowledgement of his heightened leadership abilities.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Gilbert Sonoiya.

The Secondary scholar of the year 2008 has displayed 12 years of academic excellence. He not only maintained a position in the top quarter during his entire life in Strathmore but also maintained an annual accumulated average of above 85% from Standard One to Standard eight and over 75% in each of the four years in secondary. He also managed a Grade Point Average of 3.93 out of 4 in secondary.
In the trial KCSE exams last year, he emerged top in English, Biology, Geography and Physics. Despite his prowess in Academics, He also displayed amazing talent in sports and leadership. He was part of the school rugby team, won accolades in the French creative writing and speaking competitions. This scholar who in his own words would like to become “the Benchmark for surgery in Kenya and a role model for the youth”, was elected captain in Form 1, 2, and 3 and class secretary in Form 4 in recognition of his leadership qualities.

Ladies and Gentlemen: Kim Mangoa

Dear parents, students and friends, it is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all of you as we celebrate and reward this years achievements. Each one of you has left mark in the growing annals of Strathmore and for that we remain grateful. So, before I highlight the many things we have done together this year let me say ‘Karibuni Nyote.’

I think it is only fitting that I begin by acknowledging last year’s candidates for their good performance. The Standard 8 pupils improved on their predecessor’s average by eight points. The KCSE candidates held their own by achieving outstanding results in Math and Physics. Their performances serve to benchmark this year’s candidates and indeed we believe that they are up to the challenge.

In a special way, I want to appreciate the work and effort of you parents. This year, we have held an unprecedented number of meetings, seminars, and courses for parents. These have been well received and attended. I am confident that the knowledge and ideas gained will better equip to face the challenges of present day parenting and also go a long way in nurturing your spousal relationships.
Fathers continued to enrich their roles through the Father-Sons Clubs. This year, five classes; four in the primary and one in the secondary have had fathers-sons meetings in which matters of common interest have been deliberated and father-son bonds cemented. I, therefore, challenge the fathers of the other classes not to be left behind.
The Family Sports weekend once a month remains ever popular. It is encouraging to see so many of you don your sports kit and come to participate despite your obviously pressing schedules.
All these activities give you parents the opportunity to meet, get to know one another better and to share experiences and ideas. For your effort, time and participation I say: ‘Hongera’. For your ideas, encouragement and suggestions: ‘Asanteni Sana.’

Let me also extend a word of gratitude to Family Network International, who are well represented in the parent body of the school, for facilitating seminars and parents courses in the school for a number of years. Keep up the good work of communicating family values.

Turning to you students, lest you feel left out. Today, we gather to recognize your successes in activities, sports and academics in the course of the year. I must applaud your awareness of the myriad of problems facing our country. Many of you, Form Three and Four students, asked if you could do something to be part of the countrywide efforts to assist those affected by famine. These queries led to the 'Lisha Kenya, Jenga Kenya' campaign in May. In a mere two weeks the Strathmore family raised seven tonnes of foodstuff and Ksh 300,000 in cash. In partnership with Save a Life Fund, your contributions where passed on to those in need. Indeed it was largely through your urging, contributions and cajoling of your parents that this initiative was successful.
I am also happy to mention that a number Form two and three students sacrificed part of their school holidays reaching out to the society through the Community Service scheme. They gained valuable insights and experiences that will go a long way in preparing them for their future as working persons. Remember, as we said last year, ‘in charity and good works, there can be no excess.’

Last year the primary music band made their debut. Today you have witnessed the progress they have made. They have shown dedication to their training programme and even gave up part of their holiday to train for and present a show to their parents. The Form two’s who have entertained you with some splendid singing were not to be excluded from the music scene. Their performance is testimony of what initiative, perseverance and constancy can achieve. We also have a number of secondary students developing their interest in the guitar.

By now I am sure the ardent sports participants and followers are wondering if I have forgotten them. Not at all. The sports calendar was grueling. In football, the secondary football ‘B’ team, continued to stamp their authority on the International Schools Sports League by retaining the title. Congratulations. The school volleyball team has definitely come of age. In their second year of league competition they made it to the finals of the International Schools League competition and emerged runners up after a riveting and well played final.
In rugby, the team gallantly defended the Black Rock title. They made it to the finals in which they were pipped to runners up position after a nail biting that ended in a penalty shoot out. The team also made it to the semi finals of the Prescott League.

Not to be left behind were the Sharks, the school swimming team. They participated in a total of twelve galas during the swimming season. Two members of the team represented the country in the Level 1 and II Swimming Championships held in South Africa. These are Christopher Gichuhi of Standard 7 and Edward Ilako of Form 1. Edward also broke the national records for 14/15 age group in 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly. Atuhaire Ambala of Standard two broke the national record for the 9 and under age group in the Individual medley while Andrew Wamarema of Standard four now holds the national record for 10/11 age group in the 50m butterfly.

Indeed, it is commendable to see so many of you participating in a wide variety of activities or sports whilst making every effort to maintain good academic grades.

There is another group of people I would like to acknowledge today - the great team I work with - the teachers, tutors and members of the support staff. Without your guiding hand, patience, time and perseverance we would not be sitting here savouring all these achievements.

Looking ahead, the Strathmore Christmas Wagon campaign and the National Exams come to mind. Over the years your contributions to the wagon have been overwhelming and have been well received by the less fortunate in society. We will definitely call upon you once again, this year, to light up faces during the Christmas season. It will also be an opportunity for you students to make a little sacrifice for the benefit of a needy person in society.

To the Standard eight and Form four students: You have our prayers and good wishes in the run up to your examinations. Use the remaining time well, pray, be well organized and do not hesitate to consult if you need to. We, your parents, teachers and friends, are confident that your long academic journey and hard work will be abundantly rewarded.

Finally, allow me to implore all of you to pray for our beloved country as we struggle to heal the wounds of the recent past and deal with the ravages of the on-going drought and famine.

Thank You.

The 2009 Prize Giving Day was held on 26th September and was as beaut as ever, being the biggest event in Strathmore’s annual calendar. The event started at 2:05pm and was opened by a prayer by the School Chaplain, Father Joe Babendreier. A number of rattling entertainment pieces from both the primary and secondary sections followed. The prizes presented were many and as varied as ever. The guests of honor for this year were Prof. and Mrs. Jama, Parents of Sharmaarke Jama (Form 4 2009) and Libaan Jama (Standard 3 2009).

Stephen J. O. Odhiambo (F4 1994 and staff of Strathmore School) finally left the bachelors club after wedding the one and only Faith A. Oyombe on the 29th of August 2009 at St. Paul's Catholic University Chapel. A beaut reception was then attended by the masses at the Kingdom Business Network grounds. May the Lord grant them a life most resplendent together....

Alfred Mathews Odisa is the soft-spoken but suave teacher who has proved an able replacement to Mr. Mwagona in the Swahili department. On 8th of August 2009, Mr Odisa tied the knot with Noreen Naliaka Muganda at St. Austin's Catholic Church. The colourful Mass attended by many colleagues, relatives and friends was followed by a posh reception at the same venue....