Kisumu: Pomp and colour as Maseno School celebrated its 120 years of existence. The ceremony was graced by President William Ruto who was the Chief Guest. Cabinet Secretaries Julius Migos Ogamba (Education) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary (PS) Mr Stephen Isaboke who is an old boy at the school and Kisumu county governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o were also at hand to receive the President.
According to Kenya News Agency, Maseno National School was established in 1906 by the Missionaries of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) as a school for the children of African chiefs. The first six students learnt under a tree known in a local language as ‘museno’, hence ‘Maseno’ meaning several or many ‘museno’ trees.
PS Isaboke was a student in the school from 1985 to 1986. During the celebration, a Sh.2 billion master plan was launched to help raise funds for upgrading the ageing infrastructure at the school. Mr Isaboke is part of the committee tasked with the responsibility of looking for means of raising these funds.
Old boys and friends of the school are now rallying together behind a Sh.2 billion redevelopment master plan aimed at transforming one of Kenya’s oldest and most prestigious learning institutions into a modern hub of academic excellence. The proposed facelift includes the construction of new classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, upgraded sports facilities, expanded student accommodation and enhanced digital learning spaces.
Beneath the towering gum trees of Mabungo Hills in Kisumu County stands the institution whose legacy is now deeply interwoven with the story of Kenya itself. Founded in 1906 by Missionary, Reverend John Willis, Maseno School started as a modest mission station near the Equator. More than a century later, it has risen to become one of Kenya’s most iconic centres of learning, moulding generations of leaders who have left their mark in politics, business, academia and sports.
The ageing infrastructure is a challenge that has inspired the alumni and friends of Maseno to champion an ambitious Sh.2 billion redevelopment master plan designed to redefine the future of the institution. But some of its iconic infrastructure will not be pulled down as a way of honouring the school’s rich legacy and historical identity.
During its 120 years of existence, Maseno National School has churned out prominent figures in the country such as the First Vice President late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Barack Obama Senior (Father to former US President Barack Obama); and former Prime Minister the late Raila Odinga, former freedom fighter and former Cabinet Minister Achieng Oneko, Siaya governor James Orengo, renowned entomologist and environmental activist Prof. Thomas R. Odhiambo, First African Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya: Festo Olang’, Bethwell Allan Ogot (renowned historian), John Obiero Nyagarama: Former Governor of Nyamira, and former Deputy Executive Director of UNEP County Reuben Olembo among others.
Kisumu governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o in his speech said the county had established Maseno Municipality and initiated the development of a comprehensive spatial plan for the futuristic planning and development of Maseno. ‘Through this vision, we envisage a more seamless correlation between the students of this great institution and the others around it, with the residents of Maseno as the town grows into a modern educational and innovation centre,’ the governor said.
He noted Kisumu County is planning the future of Maseno Municipality with an expanded Maseno School firmly at its heart. To this end, Prof. Nyong’o said they were working with national government, regional water agencies, and development partners to implement a major water infrastructure project costing approximately Sh. 10.6 billion. The governor noted that Phase Two, Lot One of these works, is expected to be completed by 2027. Nyong’o said Maseno is one of Kenya’s enduring symbols of academic excellence and leadership development. ‘While many schools rise and fall with seasons and circumstances, Maseno has consistently remained among the leading centres of academic excellence in Kenya. That consistency is not accidental. It is the product of culture, discipline, institutional pride and an unwavering commitment to excellence,’ he added.
