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Public school in Maseno, Kenya

Maseno School

Location

Maseno Kenya
Information
Type	Public
Motto	Perseverance shall win through
Established	1906
Website	Maseno School

Maseno School, located in Kisumu County in Kenya, is one of the oldest formal education schools in the country.

The school's location, some 25 kilometres from Kisumu city, is the subject of a years-long conflict between the neighbouring Luo and Banyore communities of Kisumu Rural constituency in Kisumu county and Emuhaya constituency in Vihiga county with each claiming not just the school but the nearby university and trading centre.

The Equator passes right through the school, acting as a divider between some classes and dormitories. A popular saying among students and alumni is that of "sleeping in the Southern hemisphere and going to school in the Northern hemisphere".

History of the school

Maseno National School was established in 1906 by the Missionaries of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) as a school for the children of African chiefs. CMS' successor, the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) remains the current sponsor of the school, overseen by the Diocese of Maseno South.

The first administrator of the school was Reverend James Jamieson Willis fondly remembered as J.J Willis. Willis House, a dormitory in the school, is named in his honour.

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 with land being donated by Chief Ogola Ayieke and later in August 1908, a chapel, the Rock of Ages, also known as St. Paul's Chapel was built next to the tree.

The place became known as Maseno and it is where, in 1906, the missionaries established Maseno School. The first students were six sons of African chiefs. They were Simon Ndinya, Onduso, Odindo, Owiti, and the late senior chief Yonah Orao.

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.

As such, during the school’s first few years, there was a student protest. It was organized and led by Daniel Ojijo Oteko, a student who believed that the African students were receiving the bare minimum education. He received the support of his fellow students in what would go down in the history of the school as the first ever protest. Until 2017 when students stormed out of class to protest the interdiction of then principal Paul Otula, it had remained the only case of student unrest at the school. Oteko's wishes would be granted when a formal curriculum – like the one in the European schools in other parts of the country – was introduced in 1910. Ojijo Road in Nairobi is named for Ojijo Oteko.

Teacher training was introduced in 1920 to train teachers who would in turn teach new students. This is what happened, for instance, to BA Ohanga, later the first African to be appointed a minister in the colonial government, who was prevailed upon by Edward Carey Francis to go back to the school and teach. Those who studied at the school were tested at the end of their courses and awarded certificates.

The colonial hangovers depicting the school's early history are still visible to-date. The hut that Jaramogi Oginga Odinga built during his time as a teacher at the school in protest of a silent policy that had white teachers getting the best houses with views of the Lake Victoria and black African teachers being assigned the north-facing staff houses overlooking the Mabungo hills, still stands.

Perhaps Maseno School's greatest contribution to the local area's growth has been the growth of the institution that occupies some of its land: Maseno University. The university is a result of the merger of Siriba Teachers College and the Government Training Institute. The former, had been established to train teachers who, in the colonial days, ended up at Maseno School.

The school celebrated its centennial in 2006 with the climax of the centenary celebrations being a visit to the school by then President Mwai Kibaki on 5 December 2006.

Maseno School today

Most of the old structures built in the early 20th century still stand to-date even though a number of new modern ones have since been put up to keep up with the times and handle the burgeoning student population.

The school's dormitories are currently named after notable personalities in the country as well as alumni and former head teachers. A famous alumni, the late Festo Habakkuk Olang', the first African archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, is remembered with the presence of Olang' House in the school. Kenya's slain Foreign Affairs minister Dr Robert Ouko also has a dormitory named after him, Ouko House.

Previously, the school's dormitories had been named after the CMS missionaries who had pioneered the school, including the white principals. For example, the missionary work of Archdeacon Walter Edwin Owen is immortalised in the school with the presence of Owen House. Ugandan Anglican evangelist Apolo Kivebulaya had a dormitory named after him that would later be known as Mayor House. As did Bishop Heywood and Bishop Alfred Robert Tucker.

The school routinely has a good showing in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) nationwide and is consistently ranked highly in its various categories: as a public school and as a national school.

The school's sponsor, the Anglican Church of Kenya, is represented on the school's board of management by the Bishop of Maseno South Diocese. Day-to-day, the bishop is represented in the school by the school chaplain.

The school hosts one of the most prestigious mathematics contests in the country every year.

School alumni can join the Maseno Old Boys Association (MOBA) and has been involved in various charitable causes as well as infrastructure development.

The current Principal is Peter Owino, formerly of Baringo National School. Owino took over from Andrew Buop who was posted to the United States to serve in the country's diplomatic mission as an education attache.

List of Maseno School Principals

Reverend James Jamieson Willis, popularly known as JJ Willis (1906 - 1911)
Reverend Albert Edward Pleydell (1913 - 1917)
Reverend Canon John Britton (1917 - 1926)
Reverend Harold Stone C Hitchen (February - December 1926)
Canon Dr John Stansfeld (1926 - 1928)
Edward Carey Francis (1928 - 1940)
Arthur William Mayor (1940 - 1950)
Bertram Lindsay Bowers, popularly known as BL Bowers (1951 - 1969)
UA Wessler (1969 - 1973)
William Melchizedek Okech (1973 - 1975)
JT Ogweno (1976 - 1980)
EJ Were (1980 - 1981)
RK Siele (1982 - 1985)
Walter John Okumu Amadi (1986 - 2001)
Paul Agali Otula (2001 - 2017)
Andrew Odhiambo Buop (2017 - 2022)
Peter Owino (2022–present)

Notable Administrators

Over the years, Maseno School has been led by influential head teachers who are remembered today in the school by way of various buildings named after them.

Canon John Stansfield, was 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.

HC Hitchen was the shortest-serving principal at Maseno School with his tenure lasting just 10 months before he left to start what is now Butere Girls.

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 to 1940, when he left to become the principal at Alliance High School in Kikuyu. Carey Francis famously caned his then student and Kenya's future first Vice-President, Oginga Odinga, for stealing paraffin, as outlined in the latter's autobiography. He is fondly remembered by many elderly Kenyans today for his no-nonsense approach to teaching and administering. While at Maseno, his students nicknamed him Achuma, meaning 'man of steel'. The Edward Carey Francis Memorial Library in the school is named after him.

BL Bowers, who served for 18 years as principal remains the longest-serving head teacher in the history of the school. It is during his time that the school's dining hall, which remains in use to-date, was built and commissioned. Bowers House, for a long time the only storied building in the school, stands in his honour today.

WM Okech was the first African/black principal of Maseno School.

Walter Amadi was a long-serving principal throughout the 90s and the annual Amadi Open Tournament (also variably named the Maseno Open tournament) held at the beginning of the year in the school is named in his honour. Amadi House, a dormitory in the school, is also named after him.

Paul Agali Otula, who served as the principal from the year 2001 is widely credited with restoring the school's lost glory in the decade and a half he was at the helm of the school, establishing the school as a formidable force to reckon with in all disciplines: academics and extra-curricular activities. In his time, the school won national, regional and continental championships in hockey, rugby and basketball with its students joining various national teams. He is credited with introducing Aviation Technology in the school, borrowing from his previous work station, Mang'u High School, where had served as the principal prior to his Maseno posting. Paul Otula Complex, a dormitory popularly known as "POC" by the students and the latest at the school, is named after him.

Notable alumni

Barack Obama Sr., senior governmental economist and the father and namesake of Barack Obama
Thomas R. Odhiambo (4 February 1931 – 26 May 2003), a Kenyan entomologist and environmental activist who directed research and scientific development in Africa
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya's first Vice President
Reuben J. Olembo: academic, geneticist, environmentalist. Former Deputy Executive Director of UNEP
Achieng Oneko (1920-2007) National hero, freedom fighter, one of Kapenguria Six. MP Nakuru, minister of Information in Kenyatta's first cabinet
David Wasawo, zoologist and educator
Robinson Njeru Githae, politician (ex-MP and cabinet minister) and diplomat
David Musila, politician (ex-MP, former Deputy Speaker) and administrator
JD Otiende, politician (served in Kenya's first cabinet as a minister)
John Nyagarama, politician (served as the first Governor of Nyamira county)
Moody Awori, politician (served as Kenya's 9th Vice-President) - from Maseno where he did his junior secondary school, Awori headed to Mang'u High School, the school many associate him with today
Benaiah Apollo Ohanga, the first black African to be appointed minister in the colonial era government
Prof Bethwell Allan Ogot, leading historian and university administrator
Prof Douglas Odhiambo, scholar and university administrator (founding Vice Chancellor of Moi University)
Festo Olang, clergy (the first African head of the Anglican Church of Kenya and Bishop of Nairobi)
William Odongo Omamo, politician (ex-MP, cabinet minister)
Joab Omino, politician (ex-MP, former Deputy Speaker)
Eliud Owalo, politician (ICT minister)
Benjamin Ayimba, sportsman (decorated coach of the national rugby 7s team, Shujaa)
Billy Odhiambo, sportsman

Extra-curricular activities

The school offers a variety of co-curricular activities including debating and public speaking, sports (rugby, hockey, basketball, football, badminton, swimming, table tennis, lawn tennis, handball, volleyball, etc), science fairs, etc.

References

"Chief Ogola Ayieke of Kisumu". Macleki. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
"ACK Diocese of Maseno North | History". ackdioceseofmasenonorth.org. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
Awino., Onyango, Emily (2018). Gender and development : a history of women's education in Kenya. Langham Monographs. ISBN 978-1-78368-489-2. OCLC 1059320629.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
https://www.the-star.co.ke/authors/alal. "Kisumu elders warn Vihiga leaders in row over Maseno". The Star. Retrieved 4 February 2023. {{cite web}}: External link in |last= (help)
Nyabundi, Harold Odhiambo and Dalton. "Maseno School Principal sent home as bullying claims probed". The Standard. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
"Teachers want Maseno School principal reinstated". Nation. 29 June 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
"Maseno students protest after principal interdiction". Nation. 3 July 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
Oywa, John. "Journalists injured as Maseno students protest interdiction of principal". The Standard. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
Ochami, David. "Records at Maseno School show the bright side of President Barack Obama's father". The Standard. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
"The Oginga Odinga House at Maseno National School". Macleki. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
"Kenya: President Visits Revered Maseno As It Turns 100". AllAfrica.com. 6 December 2006. Retrieved 5 February 2006.
"ACK Diocese of Maseno North | History". ackdioceseofmasenonorth.org. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
B, Barrett, David (1878–1945). "Owen, Walter Edwin". Dictionary of African Christian Biography. Retrieved 4 February 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
"Collections Online | British Museum". www.britishmuseum.org. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/authors/alal. "48 Maseno School students score A plain". The Star. Retrieved 4 February 2023. {{cite web}}: External link in |last= (help)
"Maseno to hold maths contest on Saturday". The Star. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
"100 best students to compete for Mathematics Scholarships - The Sauce". www.capitalfm.co.ke. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
"Maseno Old Boys Association – MOBA – Heritage, Networking and Empowerment". Retrieved 5 February 2023.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/authors/alal. "Learners report to Maseno School empty handed, call for help". The Star. Retrieved 5 February 2023. {{cite web}}: External link in |last= (help)
https://www.the-star.co.ke/authors/alal. "Ex-Baringo school principal takes over at Maseno School". The Star. Retrieved 4 February 2023. {{cite web}}: External link in |last= (help)
"John Stansfeld". www.oxonblueplaques.org.uk. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
November 22, 2018, Thursday (25 December 2020). "Carey Francis: Discipline, academic excellence were non-negotiable". Business Daily. Retrieved 4 February 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
Kareithi, Amos. "The Day Jaramogi was caned by Carey Francis for stealing Paraffin at Maseno". The Standard. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
"Jomo Kenyatta, Alliance High School and Carey Francis – Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board". Retrieved 5 February 2023.
"Europeans In East Africa - View entry". www.europeansineastafrica.co.uk. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
"View of Maseno School: Bowers Hall, supervised by Headmaster Mr Bowers, which combined dining/assembly hall and kitchens, 1960 - 1969 | ArchiveSearch". archivesearch.lib.cam.ac.uk. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
"Schools and colleges set for Amadi Open in Maseno". Nation. 4 July 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
Oywa, John. "Big show on at Maseno Open today". The Standard. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
"Paul Otula: Man behind B'ball transformation - People Daily". www.pd.co.ke. 22 July 2021. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
"Kenya: Maseno School to Teach Aviation". AllAfrica.com. 27 July 2002. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
"Kenya: Ex-Mang'u Head Moved to Maseno". AllAfrica.com. 21 March 2001.
"Robinson Njeru Githae". Mzalendo. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
"JD Otiende: Culture minister in Kenyatta Cabinet takes final bow". Nation. 5 July 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
"Academic giant who founded 8-4-4 system, Moi University". Nation. 28 June 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
"Meet the first Kenyan clergy to lead the Anglican Province". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
"Nomiya archbishop dies at 96". The Star. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
"ICT CS nominee Eliud Owalo reveals Ksh.645 million net worth". Citizen Digital. 21 October 2022. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
"Make your school a digital hub, CS Owalo". The Star. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
"Maseno reclaim 7s rugby title as games conclude". Nation. 4 July 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
"KEN - Kenya boys and girls teams get ticket to Fiba Africa U18 championships". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
Court, Alex; CNN, for (26 February 2015). "Cooking with gas: Teenager brings poop power to Kenyan school | CNN Business". CNN. Retrieved 4 February 2023. {{cite web}}: |last2= has generic name (help)

0°00′06″S 34°36′23″E / 0.001581°S 34.606329°E / -0.001581; 34.606329

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