Bidii Primary School in Makadara, Nairobi County, was established as a harambee school in 1982 as Buruburu II Primary School. The aim was to offer education in a central place for children from Umoja and Buruburu estates.
The name was changed in 1994 and from the 27 pioneering pupils, over time, the population grew northwards of 2,000, making it one of the most populated primary schools in Eastlands.
It has a good reputation in academic performance and co-curricular activities. It was used by the government to pilot the rollout of laptops for public primary schools.
Notable alumni still guided by the motto “Better Your Best” include ‘Kajairo’ (Peter Kaimenyi), a local comedian and singer; Aby Agina, the business editor and anchor at KTN; and Agatha Waleghwa, a producer at Ebru TV, who enjoyed every moment of childhood games at Bidii.
Before swings were made part of school curriculum, those who adored jumping up and down dusty playgrounds include Odhiambo Oguto, a legal affairs officer at Kenya Urban Roads Authority; Allan Deya, the head of business development at Xelpha Health; and Arnold Midung’a, a senior relationship manager at Rafiki Microfinance Bank.
Those who wore navy-blue pullovers, light-blue shirts, blouses and shorts are Christina Chanya, a psychotherapist and director at Lenjou Counselling and Psychological Services; Jane Otieno, the human resources supervisor at The Palm Resort Dubai; Timothy Tuti, a research scientist in AI and Machine Learning University of Oxford; and Barasa Samuel of Skylink Air Services.
Others with fond memories of the school are Daniel Chege, a shipping assistant at Kenya Cof Logistics; Ben Ochieng, a trainer at Jhpiego; Chris Mwangi, the founder CEO of Grow Mobile Technology; and Patrick Muchiri, a travel consultant with Sarang Africa Travel.
