Maseno School unveils Ksh.2 billion redevelopment plan ahead of 120-year celebrations

Old boys and friends of the school are now rallying behind a Ksh.2 billion redevelopment masterplan 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 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.

For decades, the school’s identity has been rooted in discipline, academic excellence and strong tradition.

As old boys prepare to welcome the Head of State and other dignitaries for the 120-year celebrations, they say there is now an urgent need to align the institution with the changing demands of modern education.

“The buildings are quite old, they are decaying. Soon they will not be fit for occupation," said Maseno School Old Boys and Friends Chair Joe Ager.

It is a challenge that has inspired the alumni and friends of Maseno to champion an ambitious Ksh.2 billion redevelopment masterplan aimed at redefining the future of the institution.

“We are going to build a new STEM complex, social sciences and humanities, and a complex for arts and sports," Ager added.

Old boys of the institution, which has produced renowned leaders including the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, are now eager to preserve some of its iconic infrastructure as a way of honouring the school’s rich legacy and historical identity.

“I joined this school 70 years ago when it was celebrating 50 years, the golden jubilee. This school took me as a good boy and made me better," said an old boy, Dr. Joseph Aluoch.

According to the alumni, the school population has grown tenfold since its inception, while past redevelopment efforts have fallen short of the required standards to match its current demands.

“They have a population of 2,800 students and there is hardly any space, and whatever space there is is not as good as when we were here. Fifty-six years ago, there were 300 students," Ager noted.

The old boys say the Ksh.2 billion project goes beyond infrastructure development, describing it as the start of a full reinvention of a school being shaped to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.