Our Founders

Joseph Kamiru Gikubu was a visionary leader and educator whose contributions to Kenyan youth education spanned over five decades. Born in 1934 in Banana Hill, Kiambu County, he emerged from a humble background to become a transformative figure in the country’s educational landscape​.

Gikubu was the fourth child in a family of seven, raised in a polygamous household where his father, Gikubu Karanja, was a police sergeant and later a small-scale livestock farmer. His mother, Serah Wanjiku, was a farmer and trader. Growing up in rural Kenya, he was instilled with the values of hard work, education, and community service​.

His early schooling took place at Muchatha, Kanunga, and Riara schools between 1945 and 1950. Despite his small stature, he was known for his intelligence and academic excellence. However, his education was interrupted in 1952 when he became actively involved in the Mau Mau independence movement, leading him to leave school at the age of 15​.

As a young freedom fighter, Gikubu played a key role in mobilizing and training youth in the Mau Mau movement. His activities led to his arrest and detention at Manyani and Wamumu camps, where he experienced harsh conditions but also developed leadership skills that would shape his future work in education​.

During his time at Wamumu Rehabilitation Camp, he undertook vocational training in carpentry, masonry, and physical education. His leadership abilities stood out, and he was appointed school captain, responsible for maintaining discipline and mentoring fellow detainees​.

After Kenya gained independence, Gikubu, alongside Geoffrey Griffin and Geoffrey Gatama Geturo, co-founded Starehe Boys Centre and School in 1959. The institution was established to provide education and rehabilitation for disadvantaged boys, particularly those affected by the colonial struggle. Starehe quickly grew into one of Kenya’s most respected academic institutions, known for its holistic approach to education, discipline, and leadership training​.

Despite his interrupted schooling, Gikubu pursued further education and professional training. He studied at New Trier High School in Illinois, USA, and later trained in youth leadership and social welfare at institutions such as Western Reserve University and Cleveland University. He also visited Christ’s Hospital School in England to study its educational model​.

At Starehe, Gikubu served in various capacities, including as Assistant Director in charge of boarding. Following the passing of Geoffrey Griffin in 2005, he stepped in as Acting Director, guiding the institution through a critical transition period until 2009​.

For his immense contributions to Kenyan youth education, Joseph Gikubu was awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) and a Head of State Commendation in 1987. His dedication to education, youth empowerment, and national development left an enduring legacy​.

Until his passing in 2014, he remained deeply involved in mentoring young people and ensuring that Starehe Boys Centre continued its mission of providing quality education to underprivileged youth. His story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating resilience, service, and the power of education in transforming lives