Founders' Story SN-002 · Education
The Gachukias: The Family Behind Riara Group of Schools
How one couple's decision to buy a small kindergarten in 1974 grew into a family of institutions, and a family of leaders, spanning education, diplomacy and public service.
Where it started
Riara Group of Schools has a history dating back to 1974, when Dr. Eddah Gachukia acquired Balmoral Kindergarten, a school that, until then, had only enrolled the children of expatriates. The institution was renamed Riara, and has since grown into two primary schools, a girls' secondary school, and a university in Nairobi. What most people don't know is that beyond the schools themselves, the Gachukia family has built a legacy of its own, in diplomacy, education policy, and public life.
1974
Founded, as Balmoral Kindergarten
4
Institutions today: two primary schools, a girls' secondary school, and a university
30
African countries reached through FAWE, founded by Dr. Eddah Gachukia
Ambassador Daniel Gachukia
Daniel met his wife, Eddah, at the Nairobi Railway Station in 1953, when they were both heading to Makerere University in Uganda for their Diplomas in Education. They struck up a conversation, became friends, started dating, and married four years later.
Daniel went on to study in France on a scholarship, and later became Chargé d'Affaires at the Kenyan Embassy in France. He then served as Kenya's longest-serving Chief of Protocol, holding the position for nine years, before joining East Africa Industries (now Unilever) as company secretary and head of personnel. In 1973, he left the company to establish Riara Group of Schools, where he serves today as CEO and Chair.
Fast Facts
- Met Eddah at Nairobi Railway Station, 1953
- Studied in France on scholarship
- Chargé d'Affaires, Kenyan Embassy in France
- Kenya's longest-serving Chief of Protocol (9 years)
- Company secretary & head of personnel, East Africa Industries (now Unilever)
- Left corporate life in 1973 to found Riara Group of Schools
photo of Ambassador Gachukia.
Fast Facts
- Educated at Alliance High School, then Makerere University (Diploma in Education)
- Degree in English Literature, United Kingdom
- PhD in Literature, University of Nairobi; lectured there
- First woman Vice Chancellor of Moi University
- Member of Parliament, 1974 – 1983
- National Advisor on Population & Development, UNESCO, from 1987
- Founded FAWE, expanded to 30 African countries over six years
- Honorary Doctor of Education, Kenyatta University, 2008
- Namesake of the Dr. Eddah Gachukia Science Prize, University of Nairobi
photo of Dr. Gachukia.
Dr. Eddah Gachukia, MBS
Dr. Eddah Gachukia is the wife of Ambassador Daniel Gachukia and serves as Academic Director of Riara Group of Schools. She attended Alliance High School before proceeding to Makerere University in Uganda for a Diploma in Education, later earning a Degree in English Literature in the United Kingdom and a PhD in Literature from the University of Nairobi, where she also lectured.
She became the first woman Vice Chancellor of Moi University, and was later nominated as a Member of Parliament from 1974 to 1983. In 1987, she joined UNESCO as national advisor on population and development. She founded the Forum for African Women Educationists (FAWE), which she grew to reach 30 countries across Africa before stepping down in 1998, six years after founding it.
In 2008, Kenyatta University awarded her a Doctor of Education, Honoris Causa, for her contribution to education development, gender and women's rights. The University of Nairobi also launched the Dr. Eddah Gachukia Science Prize in her honor.
Suzanne Gachukia Opembe
Add Suzanne's story here, her role, background and contribution to the family's work.
How IFFB has helped
IFFB works with the Gachukia family and the leadership of Riara Group of Schools on the governance questions that come with running a multi-campus, multi-generation institution, from clarifying family and professional roles across the schools, to building a succession and leadership strategy designed to keep working long after the founders themselves have stepped back.
“Building a lasting family enterprise requires more than business success; it requires a shared vision, strong governance, responsible leadership, and a commitment to preparing future generations. Our engagement with the Institute for Family Business (IFFB) has reinforced the importance of these principles in sustaining family-owned institutions. We value IFFB’s expertise and practical approach to helping family businesses navigate succession, strengthen leadership, and preserve their legacy for generations to come.”
— The Gachukia Family / Riara Leadership
Building an institution that outlasts its founders
Talk to the IFFB team about a governance and succession strategy built for your school or institution.