Maseno School is the oldest formal education school in Kenya. It was established in 1906 by the Missionaries of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) as a school for the children of African chiefs. The first administrator of the school was Rev. James Jamieson Willis fondly remembered as J.J Willis.
In 1905, Willis was sent to explore the Kavirondo or lake region of Kenya as a prospective place for the establishment of a mission. After touring the area Willis pitched tent under a Hickory tree (Carya ovalis) known in the local languages as oseno (Luo) and omseno (Luhya). That particular place was proposed to be the site of the new mission and in 1906, a chapel, the Rock of Ages, later known as St. Paul’s Chapel was built next to the tree. The place became known as Maseno and in 1906 the Missionaries established Maseno School. The first students were six sons of African chiefs. The establishment of the school in the area attracted youthful boys from all over Western Kenya. Besides reading and writing, students were taught various skills such as carpentry, tailoring, printing, building, telegraphy and clerical work. Teacher training was introduced in 1920 to train teachers who would in turn teach new students. Those who studied at the school were tested at the end of their courses and awarded certificates.
The school routinely has a good showing in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) nationwide and is consistently ranked highly in its category of schools with large enrolment.
Canon Stansfield, a doctor and clergyman. Stansfield implemented various reforms which included variation of diet and helped construct a swimming pool at the mission. The swimming pool which has since disappeared, was the only one of its kind in East Africa. It was situated near a grove by two streams flowing down Bunyore hills.
Edward Carey Francis, came to Kenya as a missionary and teacher from Cambridge UK and the colonial office helped secure him a job as headmaster at Maseno School in December 1927. His illustrious administration of Maseno School attracted other teachers from Cambridge and the school became an academic oasis in East Africa. Francis headed Maseno School from 1928–1940.
Maseno Mission continued to support the school. A veterinary school, teacher training college and a nursing school were set up at Maseno. The veterinary school was established in 1935, while the nursing school was established in 1935 to train nursing assistants and midwives. The teachers’ training college named Siriba Teachers Training College was established in 1940 and in 50 years later merged with the Government Training Institute at Maseno to become Maseno University.
Notable alumni
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President
- Barack Obama, Sr., senior governmental economist and the father of U.S. President Barack Obama
- David Wasawo, zoologist and educator
- Reuben J. Olembo: academic, geneticist, environmentalist. Former Deputy Executive Director of UNEP
- Thomas Risley Odhiambo (February 4, 1931 – May 26, 2003), a Kenyan entomologist and environmental activist who directed research and scientific development in Africa
- Benjamin Ayimba Kenya international rugby player and coach
- Bethwel Raore Active and volunteer American trained neurosurgeon
- Sampeter Liech Odera Harvard trained Associate Professor University of California, San Francisco Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Accolades in 2011
- Sport Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Rugby 7 Sevens Champions – 2011; Kenya Secondary Schools National Champions Basketball 2nd position team nationally in the ‘O’ Level category; and Kenya Secondary Schools Provincial Swimming Champions.
- First aid / Emergency Preparedness Simulation Kenya Secondary Schools St. John’s Ambulance Cadets National Champions.
- Drama and Arts – Kenya Music festival Swahili Solo-verse National Champions; 2nd position nationally in the National French language Solo-verse and public speaking.
- Science Congress / Science fair 3rd Overall Best School.
- Math Contests 2nd in the Moi High School – Kabarak Math Contest; 1st in the Maseno National Maths Contest; 3rd in the Mang’u High School Maths Contest; and 1st in the St. Patrick’s High School (Iten, Kenya) Maths Contest.
Maseno School Fees, Account Number and Uniform
For details on school fees structure, account number and uniform, please contact the principal or the schools office using the contacts below.
Maseno School Contacts (Address, Location, Email, Telephone and Website)
School Name: Maseno School
Physical Location: Kisumu-Busia Road
Address: P.O. Box 120, Maseno
City/Town: Kisumu
County: Kisumu
School Category: Public
School Code: 39700001
Phone Number: 0713-715956, 0738-934812
Email: masenoschool@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.masenoschool.sc.ke
