List of the Earliest Schools in Kenya

Here is a detailed list of some of the earliest schools established in Kenya, highlighting their founding years and original names (where applicable):

1. School at Rabai near Mombasa – Established in 1846, this was the first school in Kenya, set up by Christian missionaries.
2. The Prince of Wales School (now Nairobi School) – Founded in 1902, it was originally for European boys.
3. Friends School Kaimosi (now Kaimosi Friends Primary School) – Established in 1903 by Quaker missionaries.
4. Bunyore Girls High School – Established in 1905, it became a significant educational center for girls in Western Kenya.
5. Kangaru Schools – Founded in 1947 in Embu County.
6. Maseno School – Established in 1906 near Kisumu, it became one of the most prestigious schools in Kenya.
7. Government Indian School (now Jamhuri High School) – Opened in 1906, it was initially intended for Indian students.
8. Tumutumu Mission School (now Tumutumu Girls’ High School) – Founded in 1908 in Nyeri County.
9. European Girls’ School (now Kenya High School) – Established in 1908, it was originally for European girls.
10. Kabaa Boys High School – Established in 1923 in Machakos County.
11. Waa High School – Founded in 1923 in Kwale County.
12. Kenton College – Originally established in 1924 in Kijabe and later moved to Kileleshwa in 1935.
13. Mang’u High School – Founded in 1925, it became a notable academic institution.
14. Kapsabet High School – Established in 1925 in Nandi County.
15. Kakamega High School – Founded in 1925 and later became a prominent institution in Western Kenya.
16. Alliance High School – Established in 1926 as a collaboration between missionaries, it was Kenya’s first school for African students.
17. Nakuru High School – Founded in 1927 in Nakuru County.
18. St. Mary’s School Yala – Established in 1927 in Siaya County.
19. Hill School Eldoret – Opened in 1928, it catered primarily to European children.
20. Highlands High School (now Moi Girls’ High School – Eldoret) – Founded in 1928.
21. Kitale Primary School (later Kitale Academy, now Kitale School) – Established in 1929.
22. Kisii School – Founded in 1932, it became a leading school in Kisii County.
23. Mugoiri Girls’ High School – Established in 1938 in Murang’a, originally called Gaiteiguru Intermediary School.
24. European Boys’ School (now Lenana School) – Founded in 1949 as Duke of York School.
25. Kapsisiywa School – A school offering advanced education during the early years of the East African Advanced Certificate of Education (EAACE).

Oldest Kenyan Schools Founded Before 1920

Kenya’s education system has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century when missionaries introduced formal education. These schools laid the foundation for the country’s current educational framework and literacy achievements. Here is a detailed list of the oldest schools in Kenya founded before 1920:

1. School at Rabai near Mombasa (1846)

• Description: The first formal school in Kenya, established by Church Mission Society (CMS) missionaries Ludwig Krapf and Johannes Rebmann.
• Significance: It marked the beginning of formal education in Kenya, introducing literacy to the coastal communities.

2. Nairobi School (1902)

• Original Name: Prince of Wales School.
• Description: Built by British settlers who came to Nairobi after the construction of the Uganda Railway.
• Notable Alumni: Former Vice President Musalia Mudavadi and MP Paul Otuoma.

3. Friends School Kaimosi (1903)

• Current Name: Kaimosi Friends Primary School.
• Description: Established by Quaker missionaries from the United States. Initially named Friends Africa Industrial Mission.
• Notable Features: Caters to both day and boarding students.

4. Maseno School (1906)

• Description: Established by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) as a school for the children of African chiefs.
• Notable Alumni: Barack Obama Sr., Oginga Odinga, and other prominent figures in Kenya’s history.

5. Government Indian School (1906)

• Other Names: Later known as the Duke of Gloucester School, now Jamhuri High School.
• Description: Originally a Railway Educational Center, it catered to Indian railway workers’ children.
• Notable Alumni: Governor Alfred Mutua and journalist Jackson Mwakazi.

6. Tumutumu Mission School (1908)

• Current Name: Tumutumu Girls’ High School.
• Location: Nyeri County, Mathira Constituency.
• Description: A boarding school established by missionaries to educate girls in the region.

7. European Girls’ School (1908)

• Current Name: Kenya High School.
• Description: Founded as a high school for European girls, it became a leading public girls’ school after independence.
• Notable Alumni: Lawyer Esther Nyaiyaki and media personality Esther Arunga.

8. Thogoto School (1910)

• Current Name: Thogoto Teachers’ Training College.
• Description: Founded by the Church of Scotland Mission (now PCEA) in Kiambu.
• Current Role: Trains P1 grade teachers who are Form Four leavers.

9. Kaimosi Girls High School (1920)

• Description: A girls-only boarding school located in Vihiga County, Western Kenya.
• Significance: Continues the legacy of education established by Quaker missionaries in the region.

Legacy of Kenya’s Oldest Schools

These institutions, established before 1920, played a pivotal role in introducing formal education and literacy to Kenya. While initially designed to serve specific communities—such as Europeans, Indians, and children of African chiefs—they have evolved to embrace diverse student populations and continue to shape Kenya’s educational and cultural landscape.

Conclusion

These schools were instrumental in shaping Kenya’s educational landscape, initially catering to different demographics such as missionaries, Europeans, Indians, and Africans. Today, many of them remain prestigious institutions contributing to the country’s academic excellence.