Ruto Pledges Major Expansion of Maseno School at 120th Anniversary Celebrations
News Updated: 09 May 2026 19:47 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto joined Maseno School in celebrating 120 Years of Service and existence of Maseno School
President William Ruto on Saturday led national celebrations marking 120 years of Maseno School, describing the institution as one of Kenya’s greatest pillars of education, leadership and national transformation. Addressing students, alumni, church leaders and government officials at the historic school, the Head of State said Maseno had transcended the role of an ordinary learning institution to become part of the foundation upon which modern Kenya was built.
“There are schools that educate students, and there are institutions that shape the destiny of a nation. Maseno School belongs to the latter category.”
The President reflected on the school’s origins in 1906, noting that Maseno had been established decades before Kenya attained independence. He said the institution emerged at a time when the Republic of Kenya did not exist and when there was no constitution, national flag or sovereign government.
“Some 120 years ago, when this institution was founded, the Republic of Kenya as we know it today did not exist. There was no independent state, no national flag, and no constitution. Yet here, at the foothills of Mabongo Hills along the border of present-day Kisumu and Vihiga counties, the foundations of what would become a towering institution of academic excellence were already being laid.”
Ruto said Maseno School had survived colonial rule, political transitions and changing generations while remaining one of East Africa’s leading academic institutions. He described the school as a living monument to discipline, service, leadership and nationhood whose graduates had shaped Kenya’s social, political and intellectual history.
“For 12 decades, Maseno School has stood not merely as a center of learning, but as a living monument to the enduring power of education, discipline, leadership, service, and nationhood. Generations have passed through its gates, carrying the hopes of families, communities, and a nation searching for its place in history. Empires have risen and faded, governments have changed, and political seasons have come and gone. Yet, Maseno has endured, producing leaders, scholars, clergy, scientists, public servants, and patriots who helped shape Kenya and East Africa into what we are today.”
The Head of State praised the courage of early missionaries who established the school near Mabongo Hills, singling out missionary J.J. Willis for laying the foundation of what would become one of Africa’s most respected schools. He said the same courage shown by the founders should inspire present and future generations to transform the institution further.
“This anniversary, therefore, is not merely a celebration of longevity. It is a celebration of continuity, institutional excellence, and national memory. Ladies and gentlemen, as one of the oldest formal institutions of learning in Kenya, established in 1906 by missionaries of the Church Missionary Society, Maseno occupies a unique place in the educational and historical journey of our nation.”
Ruto also highlighted the historical significance behind the school’s name, explaining that “Maseno” originated from the indigenous Oeno or Oluseno tree. According to the President, the symbolism reflected an institution deeply rooted in history and whose influence had spread across generations and communities.
“I am amazed but also encouraged by the courage of J.J. Willis—Willis, sorry—who traveled to the unknown, had the courage to come all the way through Mabongo Hills here, and set up this great institution. It reminds us that with the same courage, we can take this institution into the next 120 years. What began with six sons of African chiefs gathering under the shade of the Oseno tree has evolved into one of the most distinguished educational institutions on the African continent.”
He said the school’s early emphasis on practical education closely mirrors the government’s ongoing Competency-Based Education and Training reforms aimed at producing well-rounded and skilled learners equipped for modern challenges.
“The name 'Maseno' is derived from the hickory tree scientifically known as Cassia didymobotrya, but locally called 'Oeno' in Dholuo and 'Oluseno' in Luhya. A fitting symbol for an institution whose roots run deep and whose legacy has endured across generations. From its early years, Maseno embraced not only academic instruction but also practical and technical education in fields such as masonry, carpentry, and tailoring, reflecting a philosophy of education that sought to prepare young people not merely for examinations, but for life, service, and leadership.”
Ruto linked the school’s historic educational philosophy to his administration’s broader reforms in the education sector. He said the government was now focused on helping learners discover and develop their talents rather than forcing all students into the same academic path.
“This vision is fully aligned with the transformative reforms we are implementing under Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET). Our goal is to nurture every learner according to their unique talents, abilities, creativity, and aspirations, so that no child is confined by a ‘one-size-fits-all’ model of education.”
The President argued that Kenya’s future economic transformation would depend on producing innovators, scientists, researchers and ethical leaders capable of competing globally. He connected the education agenda to Kenya’s growing role in continental affairs.
“Kenya’s future prosperity will depend on our ability to produce not only academics but also problem solvers, innovators, creators, researchers, and ethical leaders capable of transforming our nation and positioning Kenya and Africa at the forefront of global progress.”
During his tour of the institution, the President visited several historical landmarks within the school compound, including the Oseno tree under which the first students reportedly studied, the chapel built in 1906 and the house once occupied by Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga while teaching at the school.
“Today, the story of Maseno School is inseparable from the story of Kenya. I have been taken around this institution and I have encountered sites that are not only merely school landmarks, but important monuments of our national heritage.”
The Head of State said preserving the school’s history was important for safeguarding Kenya’s identity and ensuring future generations understand the role institutions like Maseno played in shaping the nation.
“I have seen the historic Oseno tree under which the first six students began their journey. I have visited the house where the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga lived while teaching here between 1943 and 1945. And I have also seen the chapel built in 1906 at the very dawn of this institution’s existence. These are not ordinary places; they are living chapters of Kenyan history.”
Ruto celebrated the institution’s distinguished alumni, saying Maseno had produced some of the continent’s most respected leaders in politics, science, diplomacy, religion and public service.
“Among its illustrious alumni are Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, renowned scientist Professor Thomas Odhiambo, Barack Obama Senior, Professor David Wasawo, Professor Reuben Olembo, freedom fighter Achieng' Oneko, and many others whose contributions continue to shape our society.”
The President singled out the school’s culture of discipline as one of its greatest strengths, saying he had been informed that Maseno School had never experienced a student strike in its 120-year history.
“But perhaps Maseno’s greatest distinction is not simply the prominence of its alumni; it is the culture of excellence the institution has sustained across generations. I am very, very proud to know that Maseno, in its 120 years, has not participated in any strike. That is phenomenal.”
Ruto also praised the school’s student leadership after listening to an address by student president Chris, whom he described as focused, humble and disciplined.
“When the student president here, Chris, spoke, I saw a fine gentleman, measured in every way, but focused. And he gave a very good account of the student fraternity in this school: discipline, humility, and excellence.”
The President defended his administration’s education reforms, saying the government inherited major challenges in the sector in 2022, including teacher shortages, infrastructure deficits and funding problems in higher learning institutions.
“And that is why I am very proud of what we have achieved in the last three years. We had serious challenges in the space around education. We had a chronic problem with CBC. We had a chronic teacher shortage. We had a problem with learning spaces.”
He said the government had stabilised the education sector through collaboration with parents, teachers and other stakeholders and had now fully settled on the Competency-Based Education and Training system.
“In the last three years, working with all partners—working with parents, working with teachers and students and other stakeholders—we have managed to consolidate gains around education. The crisis that seemed to be there three years ago is slowly settling.”
The President disclosed that the government had hired 100,000 teachers in the last three years and planned to recruit another 20,000 this year to bridge staffing shortages in schools across the country.
“We had in 2022 a teacher shortage of 116,000. In the last three years, we've hired 100,000 teachers. We are hiring another 20,000 this year to make sure that consistently we close the gap on teacher shortage in our learning institutions.”
Ruto noted that Maseno School alone had increased its teaching staff from 53 to 93 teachers in the last three years following government recruitment efforts.
“I was happy to note that the school Chief Principal here said three years ago there were 53 teachers in Maseno. Today they have 93. Meaning there are an additional 40 teachers hired in the last three years.”
The President further directed the Ministry of Education to immediately absorb 25 Board of Management teachers currently serving at Maseno School.
“Immediately we will absorb 25 of those 40 teachers, and then we will absorb the balance later in the year. So please present the list of 25 teachers to the CS for Education and we will facilitate their employment immediately.”
On university and TVET reforms, Ruto said the government had shifted from institution-based funding to a student-centred funding model intended to support vulnerable learners more effectively.
“We have changed the funding model so that it doesn't focus on the institution; it focuses on the student, so that we can tailor-make funding for every student depending on their ability or the ability of their parents and guardians to support them.”
The President revealed that the national education budget had risen significantly since 2022 as part of the administration’s commitment to strengthening the sector.
“That has made us increase the budget for education from 500 billion shillings in 2022 to 702 billion this year. And in the proposed budget, we have 767 billion for the year 2026/2027.”
Ruto added that the government had already built thousands of classrooms and was continuing with laboratory construction projects across the country.
“We have built 23,000 new classrooms. We are in the process of building another 1,600 laboratories across Kenya.”
The Head of State then unveiled an ambitious “New Maseno” expansion plan aimed at transforming the institution into a larger educational centre capable of accommodating thousands more students over the coming years.
“I support my good advisor, Joe, and the team here, including George Magoha, in thinking outside the box and looking at a ‘New Maseno’ that will serve our nation for the next 100 years.”
Ruto pledged government support toward upgrading the school’s infrastructure, arguing that institutions with strong traditions deserved facilities matching their national stature.
“We shall therefore work closely with the school administration, alumni, and stakeholders of Maseno School to upgrade its physical infrastructure so that it fully reflects the stature, heritage, and standing as one of Kenya’s premier institutions of learning.”
The President drew laughter after joking that the school had invited him because of his reputation for implementing projects rather than merely giving speeches.
“If you wanted somebody to talk, you would have looked for somebody else. But if you wanted things to get done, that’s why you look for me.”
He challenged the Maseno community to position the institution as a future centre of African leadership, innovation and scientific advancement.
“The real question is whether institutions with such a powerful heritage, resilience, and intellectual tradition can help lead Kenya and Africa into the future. And I believe they can, they should, they will, and they must.”
Ruto acknowledged efforts by alumni and stakeholders who had already raised Sh80 million toward redevelopment projects at the school.
“I’m very proud of the money they have already raised—80 million. Did I read it correctly, Joe? That’s true. Yes, 80 million.”
The President announced that the Government of Kenya would equip the proposed ICT centre with computers to strengthen digital learning.
“When you do the ICT space, the Government of Kenya will supply the computers necessary for that space.”
He further revealed that he and his associates would mobilise resources to construct 40 classrooms at the institution before the end of the year.
“Myself and friends, we are going to build 40 classrooms to accommodate at least 1,600 students.”
Ruto proposed increasing the school’s student population to 5,000 learners so that more Kenyan children could access Maseno’s culture of excellence.
“There is absolutely no reason why we should not support Maseno with infrastructure so that we can have at least 5,000 students in this school.”
The President also announced that the Ministry of Housing would construct a dormitory capable of accommodating 2,000 students.
“I’m sure we’ll build a ‘house’ that will accommodate 2,000 students.”
In addition, he said the Ministry of Education would build a modern multi-purpose hall as part of the wider transformation agenda.
“The Ministry of Education is going to build for you a multi-purpose hall.”
Ruto urged Kenyans to reject pessimism and embrace unity, collaboration and faith in the country’s future.
“Finger-pointing, the blame game, assigning other people blame will not solve anything.”
The Head of State called on citizens to believe in Kenya’s potential and work together toward national transformation.
“We must believe in ourselves. We must believe in our ability to take this nation to the next level.”
In his closing remarks, the President assured the students and school community of continued government support in education and national development.
“We are one nation, one people with a common destiny.”
Ruto finally revealed that the event marked his first-ever visit to Maseno School, promising to personally support the institution’s transformation into a globally respected centre of excellence.
“It’s my first time, by the way—my very first time in Maseno—and I admit you are a great school. You are a great institution, and I’m going to partner with you to make it greater. Asanteni sana and God bless you.”
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FELIX MAKONA
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