Our Story
How it began
Mr Sura visited his old school almost 70 years after he left. His memory of a vibrant environment, an exuberant fountain greeting him and his fellow students each morning and the best facilities a school in that region could provide, was immediately shattered. He could not believe the sorry state the school was in. Crumbling walls, fallen roofs, broken furniture little or no school supplies and the poorest bathroom facilities. A far cry from the days he attended the school. Founded in 1926, Trans Nzoia Primary School Kitale was once a prestigious school serving children from affluent Indian families in the region. Known for its well-kept facilities and strong academic reputation, it was a place where students began building futures beyond Kitale. After Kenya’s independence in 1963, the school began serving students from more diverse backgrounds. Today, it educates about 1,200 children from ages 4 to 14, many from vulnerable households in Kitale’s informal settlements. Decades of underinvestment left the campus in poor condition, with leaking roofs, cracked walls, inadequate toilets, and limited classroom furniture and supplies. Still, students continued to arrive eager to learn.
The Call to Action
Gurcharan Sura began his mission to raise the much-needed funds by calling on former alumni and the local community. It was clear to him that more effort was needed from far and wide. He focused his attention on raising awareness in the UK (a place he has called home for over 65 years). Through many fundraising events and activities, he was able to start the project in November 2025 having raised close to 100K. Mr. Sura established a solid partnership with the school headteacher, Mr Eliud Kwalia and the school board of governors. Through this partnership he was able to determine what the school needed the most and what priorities were for them.
Rebuilding Trans Nzoia Primary School Kitale
The first phase of regeneration was completed in May 2026 through Mr. Sura’s leadership, he assembled a dedicated team of architects, contractors, project managers to carry out the work on the ground. Though he resides in the UK he made several visits to Kitale from there to oversee the work so he could confidently say the work was being completed to the required standard and that the funds raised were being used as had been promised to the donors. On 16 May 2026, a new classroom block opened, giving students a clean, bright space with new furniture and a more welcoming environment.
What's Next?
Phase Two will focus on providing a dedicated staff room for the teaching faculty, essential toilet and kitchen facilities and clean water across the campus. It will also include building a dedicated computer lab with internet access so that the students can have access to technology and to take their learning to the next level. The success of the ongoing restoration will require the continued support from donors. This second phase will cost 100K. Mr. Sura has pledged to continue his mission to make his old school one that can take its place as one that provides academic excellence, the highest quality of education and new learning opportunities and most importantly to allow the students attending Trans Nzoia School to have the same opportunities he himself had.
