
Ten Oldest Schools in Kenya (1846-1920)
Kenya has reaped the benefits of formal education for over a century, thanks to missionaries who introduced it to the country before the twentieth century.
The country, whose literacy rate stands at over 82%, has made significant strides, from improved technical infrastructure to a rise in literacy levels.
What many Kenyans cannot fathom, however, are the ten oldest schools from which the fabric was woven.
Here are the earliest schools in Kenya that were founded prior to 1920.
Rabai School near Mombasa established in 1846.
In 1846, missionaries Ludwig Kraft and Johannes Rebman of the Church Mission Society met with natives in the coastal town of Mombasa and set the first mission school in the country at Rabai.
Nairobi School established 1902.
Rabai School near Mombasa established in 1846.
This school, originally known as the Prince of Wales school, was set by British workers who settled in Nairobi following the construction of the Uganda railway.
Notable alumni are former Vice president Musalia Mudavadi and MP Paul Otuoma .
Nairobi School established 1902.
Friends School Kaimosi, now Kaimosi Friends Primary School, established in 1903.
The school was founded in 1903 as the Friends Africa Industrial Mission by American Quaker missionaries who left South Africa to establish Quaker activities in East Africa.
The school serves both day and boarding students.
Friends School Kaimosi, now Kaimosi Friends Primary School, established in 1903.
Maseno School, established in 1906.
The Missionaries of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) founded it in 1906 as a school for the children of African chiefs.
The school’s first six students were sons of African chiefs.
Maseno School, established in 1906.
Among the notable alumni are Barack Obama Sr. and former Vice President Oginga Odinga.
Government Indian School or The Duke of Gloucester School, now Jamhuri High School, established 1906.
One of the oldest schools in Kenya is Jamhuri High School, formerly known as Government Indian School and then The Duke of Gloucester school.
It was founded in 1906 as a Railway Educational Center prior to Kenya’s independence from the British.
Government Indian School or The Duke of Gloucester School, now Jamhuri High School, established 1906.
Governor Alfred Mutua and former citizen newscaster Jackson Mwakazi are prominent alumni of this institution.
Tumutumu Mission School, now Tumutumu Girls’ High School established in 1908.
The School is located in Nyeri County (Mathira Constituency).
Tumutumu Girls High is a boarding secondary school for female students.
Established in 1908, European Girls’ School is currently Kenya High School.
Tumutumu Mission School, now Tumutumu Girls’ High School established in 1908.
Kenya High School is a public high school for girls located in Nairobi’s Kileleshwa district.
The school was founded as the Kenya European Girls’ High School in 1908.
Upon independence in 1963, it was known as The Kenya High School. Notable alumni are Ester Arunga and lawyer Esther Nyaiyaki.
Thogoto School, now Thogoto Teachers’ Training College, established 1910.
Thogoto School was founded in 1910 by the Church of Scotland Mission (now PCEA) at Kambui Mission in Kiambu.
The College now trains form 4 (KCSE) graduates as P1 teachers.
Thogoto School, now Thogoto Teachers’ Training College, established 1910.
Kaimosi Girls High School, established 1920.
Kaimosi Girls High School is an all-girls boarding school in Vihiga County, Western Kenya.
Ten Oldest Schools in Kenya (1846-1920)