President William Ruto has announced a major infrastructure expansion plan for Maseno School.
These included the construction of 40 modern classrooms, new dormitories and a multipurpose hall as the institution celebrated 120 years since its establishment.
Speaking during the anniversary celebrations on Saturday in Kisumu County, President Ruto said the government and partners would support the school’s ambitious growth plan aimed at increasing student enrolment from the current population to about 5,000 learners.
“We want more students to benefit from the culture of excellence that defines Maseno School,” said the President, adding that 20 classrooms would be completed before the end of the year to pave the way for admission of an additional 800 students in January 2027.
The Head of State also directed the Ministry of Lands and Housing to construct dormitories capable of accommodating 2,000 students, while the Ministry of Education will put up a modern multipurpose hall.
Despite being one of Kenya’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, Maseno School still relies heavily on infrastructure established by missionaries more than a century ago.
President Ruto praised the institution for maintaining academic excellence and discipline throughout its history, noting that the school has never experienced a student strike.
“Maseno has consistently remained among the leading centres of academic excellence in Kenya. That consistency is built on culture, discipline and institutional pride,” he said.
Founded in 1906 by the Church Missionary Society, the school initially aimed at spreading Christianity and educating sons of African chiefs during the colonial period.
The President described the institution as deeply intertwined with Kenya’s history, saying it has produced generations of leaders, scholars, clergy and public servants who have shaped the country and the East African region.
Among the school’s notable alumni are Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, ODM leader Raila Odinga, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, former US President Barack Obama’s father Barack Obama Sr., freedom fighter Achieng’ Oneko, scientist Thomas Odhiambo and historian Bethwell Ogot.
During the tour, the President visited historical landmarks within the school, including the famous Oseno tree where the first six students reportedly studied, the house once occupied by Jaramogi while teaching at the institution between 1943 and 1945, and the chapel built by missionaries in 1906.
“These are living chapters of Kenya’s history,” President Ruto said.
The President further said his administration continues to prioritise education funding, revealing that the national education budget has increased from Sh500 billion in 2022 to Sh702 billion in the current financial year and will rise further to Sh767 billion in the 2026/2027 financial year.
He also announced that the Teachers Service Commission will immediately absorb 25 teachers currently employed by the school’s Board of Management, with the remaining teachers to be recruited later in the year.
Among leaders present during the celebrations were Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o.
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