Kimani Ng’ang’a Maruge remains one of Kenya’s most inspiring figures after making history as the oldest person ever to enroll in primary school. At the age of 84, Maruge defied all odds and social norms by joining school at an age never heard of.
This brave move earned him recognition by the Guinness World Records and captured global attention. As such, Maruge proved that one can still pursue education even at an advanced age.
In this segment, Times Digital Kenya explores how Kimani Maruge coped with young pupils and his role in promoting adult education.
Kimani Maruge’s Historic Enrollment in Primary School
In 2004, Maruge, a former Mau Mau freedom fighter, perplexed many Kenyans when he joined Class One in primary school. It was at a time when Mwai Kibaki’s government announced free and universal primary school education in 2003, prompting the 84-year-old Maruge to attend school for the first time ever.
The elderly man attended Kapkenduiywo Primary School in Eldoret, Kenya, where he studied alongside much younger pupils, some of whom were young enough to be his great-grandchildren.
His bold move earned him recognition from across the world, including the Guinness World Records, as the world’s oldest student to start primary school.
Life in School
Just like any other pupil, Kimani Maruge wore a school uniform and was highly determined to complete his primary school education up to Standard Eight.
According to a report by Guinness World Records, Maruge showed his commitment by performing exceptionally well in his first end-of-term examinations, emerging as one of the best pupils in his class.
In 2005, the headmistress, Mrs. Jane Obinchu, rewarded Maruge’s hard work by appointing him the school’s senior prefect (head boy). Surprisingly, two of his 30 grandchildren were ahead of him in classes at the same primary school at the time of his enrollment.
Sadly, he died at the age of 90 on 15 August 2009, just five years after he had joined Class One.
Although Maruge passed away over a decade ago, his legacy continues to inspire people around the world. For instance, the inspiring film The First Grader, based on his true story, celebrates his bravery in enrolling in primary school at an advanced age.
