MASENO, Aug 28, 2026 – The ambitious Sh4 billion transformation of the 120-year-old Maseno High School into an ultra-modern learning, sporting and cultural complex kicked off Friday with the groundbreaking for 40 classrooms and 8 laboratories.
The ceremony marks the start of a four-year renewal plan aimed at replacing dilapidated infrastructure that has served the institution since 1906 with facilities fit for the next century.
The first phase, which will cost between Sh40 million and Sh50 million, involves construction of 40 classrooms and eight modern laboratories. The contractor, Trident-Deacon Construction, is expected to complete it within six months.
President William Ruto had directed that the phase be undertaken when he visited the school on May 5, 2026.
The second phase will include a 3,000-capacity multipurpose hall, a modern sports arena with indoor and outdoor facilities, an athletics track, football pitch, a STEM complex, aviation and humanities complex, teachers’ houses and student hostels. The Safaricom M-Pesa Foundation will set up a state-of-the-art IT laboratory.
President’s Special Adviser and Maseno alumnus, Joe Owaka Ager, said President Ruto had committed government funding to key components of the project.
“The President believes education is not an expense but an investment. The government must invest in education,” Ager said.
He disclosed that before the President’s visit, alumni, corporates and well-wishers had raised Sh80 million, which encouraged the Head of State to pledge additional support.
“The President said the classrooms would be done by William Ruto and his friends. Certain components will be funded from government coffers, including through the Boma Yangu housing program,” Ager said.
He added that the project goes beyond brick and mortar.
“Let us remember we are living in a changing world. It’s not just the brick and mortar that will change the school, but what is inside it. Nowadays, it’s not the number of people you train, but the quality. We want to enhance our digital footprint and churn out quality doctors,” Ager said.
Ager said the long-term vision is to expand the school to accommodate up to 10,000 learners.
Board of Management Chairman, Rev. Canon Ambrose Weda, said the renewal was long overdue.
“Our infrastructure has been here for 120 years. It is now in ruins. When we invited the President, we presented our dream. The school needs Sh4 billion for complete renewal,” Weda said.
He said the initiative is spearheaded by a consortium of old boys led by Mr Ager.
“We want Maseno to be a modern school for the next 100 years,” Weda said, adding that the school posted 84 straight As in last year’s KCSE despite the poor facilities.
Chief Principal Peter Owino echoed the sentiments, saying the school has consistently outperformed institutions with superior infrastructure despite operating without a proper dining hall and with dilapidated classrooms.
“We have a very strong community that has secured the future of young people in character, academics and sports. What has lacked is infrastructure. We thank the President for coming in handy to give us facilities that match our calibre,” Owino said.
He said the next phase will also address teacher accommodation, with the President pledging 270 modern units. The project’s master plan integrates government and private partners to ensure all components align. The entire renewal is expected to be completed within four years.
