When you walk into Strathmore, the first thing that greets you is the energy of the students chatting in groups, footsteps echoing in the halls, the constant movement of a campus alive with purpose. It’s a buzz that feels unmistakably Strathmore.

But pause for a moment, and you’ll notice something else quietly shaping that experience. The classrooms are spotless, with polished desks and well-kept floors that make learning spaces inviting. The corridors gleam, free of dust and clutter, guiding you from one place to another with ease. Offices are neat and orderly, ready to welcome anyone who steps in. Even the restrooms, often overlooked in many places, are pristine, stocked, and reliable, ensuring comfort whenever you need them.

None of this happens by chance.

Behind the calm, welcoming environment we all enjoy every day is a team whose work often goes unseen but never unfelt. In their navy-blue uniforms with bright reflectors, they move steadily across campus, carrying a simple but powerful motto on their backs: “Strathmore with a Sparkle!” And true to those words, everything they touch carries a mark of care and excellence.

From September 8th to 12th, the university community paused to recognize and celebrate these unsung heroes. In line with this year’s theme of personalized attention, a special week was dedicated to appreciating their invaluable role in shaping our daily experience.

A tent was set up outside the STC foyer throughout the week, serving as both a symbol of gratitude and a space for learning. Throughout the week, students and staff stopped by to interact with the team, discovering not just the effort behind their work, but also the knowledge they shared on cleanliness, waste segregation, and sustainability. They explained how simple actions, like separating waste correctly or picking up a stray piece of paper, contribute to maintaining the sparkle we all enjoy. These conversations weren’t just informative; they bridged the gap between the unseen and the seen, reminding everyone that cleanliness is a shared responsibility.

And because their excellence is rooted in something deeper, the week also included and concluded a special Mass. Together in prayer, they rededicated their work to the Lord, seeking strength, blessings, and the grace to continue their mission with humility. It was a beautiful moment of reflection and renewal, one that grounded their work in something deeper: the belief that excellence, in any form, is ultimately service to God. 

Afterwards, they gathered for a shared meal at Kilimanjaro, a moment filled with laughter, connection, and the joy of simply enjoying each other’s company. It was a time to celebrate not just their work, but the spirit behind it.

Staff members and representatives from the Management Board joined in to honor and appreciate them, making the occasion even more special. And of course, no Strathmore celebration is complete without cake and this time, it was a big one, worthy of the moment! The afternoon unfolded beautifully, with music, dancing, and heartfelt joy. It was their time: a well-deserved pause to celebrate, be celebrated, and soak in the gratitude of an entire community.

Even though they may not voice it, as they quietly move across campus ensuring everything is in place, their hope speaks through their work. Every gleaming floor, replenished dispenser, and spotless restroom is a gentle reminder that this campus belongs to all of us—and it takes all of us to keep it that way.

Their request to the rest of us is straightforward:

1. Leave rooms as you found them.

2. Use the waste bins correctly; each one is clearly labeled.

3. If you see litter, pick it up instead of walking past it.

4. And if ever something falls short, use the feedback forms available to let them know.

Because the sparkle of Strathmore is not theirs to carry alone, it is ours too. Every student, every member of staff, every visitor has a part to play in ensuring that this campus remains as welcoming, clean, and inspiring as it was the first day we stepped through its gates.

So the next time you walk into a spotless classroom, sip from a freshly filled dispenser, or step into a clean restroom, pause and remember: behind that experience is a team working tirelessly, quietly, and faithfully to make Strathmore shine.

We celebrate you team Housekeeping!!

Article written by: Jemmy M. Kamau