It was pomp and colour on Saturday as Maseno School in western Kenya celebrated its 120 years of existence. Now, the school is gearing up to expand its infrastructure to raise its student population to 5,000.

The ceremony was graced by President William Ruto who was the chief gest. Cabinet secretaries Julius Migos Ogamba (education) and Opiyo Wandayi (energy and petroleum), Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke who is an old boy at the school and Kisumu County Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o attended the occasion.

Maseno National School was founded in 1906 by the Missionaries of the Church Missionary Society as a school for the children of African chiefs. The first six students learnt under a tree known in local Luhyia language as museno, hence Maseno meaning several or many museno trees.

During the cerebrations, a Ksh2 billion ($15.5 million) school redevelopment masterplan was unveiled to upgrade the ageing infrastructure.

Mr Isaboke is one of former students of the school in 1985 to 1986, attended the occasion. 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 focused on raising Ksh2 billion needed for redevelopment of one of Kenya’s – by extension Africa’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 on the border of Vihiga and Kisumu counties stands the institution whose legacy is now deeply interwoven with the story of Kenya’s education development.

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 Ksh2 billion redevelopment plan designed at redefining 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 School has churned out various prominent people in the country such as; Kenya’s first vice-president late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Barack Obama Senior (father of 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 Thomas R. Odhiambo, first African archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya Festo Olang, Bethwell Allan Ogot (renowned historian), John Obiero Nyangarama – former governor of Nyamira, academic and former Deputy Executive Director of UNEP County Reuben Olembo among others.

Kisumu Governor 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 that Kisumu County is planning the future of Maseno municipality with an expanded Maseno School firmly at its heart.

Prof Nyong`o said the county is working with national government, regional water agencies and development partners to implement a major water infrastructure project that will cost approximately Ksh10.6 billion.

The governor noted that phase two (lot one) of these works, is expected to be completed by 2027. He 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.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Mabel Keya-Shikuku