Upper Hill School (Nairobi) – History summary
Upper Hill School is a public boys’ secondary school located in Upper Hill, Nairobi. Its history goes back to the colonial era (1950s) and is closely linked to other schools in Nairobi such as State House Girls’ High School and Nairobi School.
Early origins
The school’s roots trace back to the early 1950s, when the area had colonial-era educational institutions.
Around 1956, it was known as Delamere High School, named after Lord Delamere, a British settler.
Split into boys’ and girls’ schools (1958)
In 1958, the school was split:
Boys were moved to form Delamere Boys’ School (the direct predecessor of Upper Hill School).
Girls remained at the original site, later becoming State House Girls’ High School.
Post-independence changes
In 1969, the school was renamed Simba Secondary School as part of Africanization of school names after independence.
Later, it was renamed Upper Hill School, reflecting its location in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
Modern development
Upper Hill School has undergone tremendous development, namely:
- It originally operated as a day school.
- In 1997, it began transitioning to a boarding school.
- By 2004, it had become a fully boarding institution.
- Successful participation in Coccrricular activities; won the 2026 KSSSA National School Games’ Rugby 15’s Title.
