In the late 19th century, missionaries arrived in Kenya, heralding a new era of civilization and significant progress, primarily through the introduction of formal education. As the 20th century dawned, the establishment of academic institutions began, many of which continue to stand over a century later.
This article explores the ten oldest schools in Kenya and the origins of their establishment.
Rabai School Near Mombasa ,established in 1846
Established in 1846 by the Church Mission Society missionaries Ludwig Kraft and Johannes Rebman, the Rabai School is identified as the oldest academic institution in Kenya. The missionaries who faced the challenge of language barrier began the modern day school to help residents learn how to read and write.
Nairobi School formerly Prince of Wales School, established in 1902
Initially known as the Prince of Wales school, this school located at Westlands was set up by British workers in 1902 who settled in Nairobi after construction of the Uganda railway. Notable alumni are Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, MP Paul Otuoma, Nzioka Waita, Gitobu Imanyara, and George Nyamweya.
Friends School Kaimosi, now Kaimosi Friends Primary School, established in 1903.
The school was established in 1903 as the Friends Africa Industrial Mission by the American Quaker missionaries, who left South Africa to expand their mission activities in East Africa.
The school changed its name to Kaimosi Friends Elementary School in 1904 and expanded its educational offerings to include reading, writing, carpentry, and dressmaking.
The school currently caters to both day and boarding students.
Maseno School, established in 1906
Maseno School is the oldest formal education institution in Kisumu County. 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 six students of this school were sons of African chiefs before admitting young boys from the region.
Students were taught a variety of skills in addition to reading and writing, including carpentry, tailoring, printing, building, telegraphy, and clerical work. Notable alumni include Barack Obama Sr and former Vice President Oginga Odinga among others.
Jamhuri High School, formerly known as Government Indian School and later The Duke of Gloucester school established in 1906
Jamhuri High School formerly known as Government Indian School and later The Duke of Gloucester school is one of the oldest schools in Kenya. It was founded as a Railway Educational Center in 1906 because the majority of its students came from the city’s Indian community who greatly contributed to the construction of the railway.
After Kenya gained independence from the British, it was christened ‘Jamhuri’, the Swahili word for republic. Notable alumni of this institution are Governor Alfred Mutua and former citizen news anchor Jackson Mwakazi
Tumutumu Girls’ High School ,formerly Tumutumu Mission School established in 1908
This institution was established in 1908 by missionaries from Scotland who landed in the inland regions of Central Kenya after a decades-long journey from the coast of Kenya. With the goal of evangelising British East Africa, they arrived in Tumutumu where they set up a a mission centre.
The purpose of this mission centre was to evangelise the locals and propagate Western education hence the establishment of the Tumutumu Mission School where they employed African teachers and evangelists who had been trained at the other mission centres.
The school is now the Tumutumu Girls High School in Nyeri County which is a nationa girls boarding secondary school.
Kenya High School, formerly the Kenya European Girls’ High School , established in 1908
The Kenya High School is one of the most prestigious public girl’s high schools in Kenya, located in Kileleshwa area in Nairobi. Established in 1908 as the Kenya European Girls’ High School, it was set up in building designed for police barracks. It was renamed to Th Kenya High School in 1939. Notable alumni are former KTN news anchore Esther Arunga and lawyer Esther Nyaiyaki.
Thogoto Teachers’ Training College, formerly Thogoto School established 1910.
Thogoto School was founded in 1910 at Kambui Mission in Kiambu by the Church of Scotland Mission (now PCEA) .The College now trains P1 Grade teachers who are form 4 (KCSE) leavers.
Kaimosi Girls High School, established 1920
Kaimosi Girls High School is a girls’ boarding school, located in Vihiga County in the Western region of Kenya which was established in 1920.
Kabaa Boys High School, Machakos County established 1923
A Dutch priest from the Netherlands, Fr. Michael Witte of the Holy Ghost Fathers founded Kabaa High School in Mbiuni, Machakos County, in 1924 with 35 students.
