Prior to Kenya's independence from the British, the school, located at Ngara Nairobi, predominantly enrolled students from the Indian community in Nairobi, hence its former name Government Indian School.
In 1955, the school's name was changed to The Duke of Gloucester School, named after Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester.
Since then the school has had a diversified enrolment of students of African, Indian, and White heritage.
The school is popularly known as "Jamuu" and its nickname is "Dukes".
Jamhuri High School has a robust alumni association available on their website