Rabai, Nairobi and Maseno Among Kenya’s Oldest Schools Founded Before Independence [Full List]

Kenya’s education system began in the mid-19th century, when Christian missionaries and the colonial administration established some of the country’s earliest learning institutions.

Before Kenya attained independence in 1963, these schools’ main roles were to spread literacy and train the clergy and civil servants.

The earliest learning institution in Kenya was Rabai School near Mombasa, founded in 1846, and other institutions, including Nairobi School, Maseno School, and Alliance High School.

Over the years, the schools have evolved from formal education institutions to top national schools in the country, and their names have also changed.

Missionary Schools in Kenya

The history of formal education in Kenya began through the work of Christian missionaries, who established schools with churches and mission stations.

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Rabai School was founded in 1846 by German missionary Johann Ludwig Krapf of the Church Missionary Society in present-day Kilifi County.

Krapf’s objective was to spread Christianity among local communities, but the school also became a center for literacy, language studies, and vocational training.

The missionary approach to education expanded in the early 20th century with the establishment of schools such as the Friends Africa Industrial Mission School in 1903, founded by Quaker missionaries from the United States.

The institution, now known as Friends School Kaimosi, became an important center for both religious and educational activities in western Kenya.

Maseno School was established in 1906 by the Church Missionary Society after local leaders donated land for educational and missionary work.

Other mission-founded institutions included Tumutumu Mission School, established in Nyeri in 1908, Thogoto School in Kiambu in 1910, Kaimosi Girls High School in 1920, and St. Mary’s School, Yala, in 1927

Early Colonial Government Established Schools

Alongside missionary institutions, the British colonial administration established schools to serve various racial communities under the colonial system.

Many of these institutions later evolved into some of Kenya’s most prestigious national schools.

Nairobi School, originally known as Prince of Wales School, was founded in 1902 to educate the children of European settlers living in the colony.

In 1906, the Government Indian School was established to cater primarily to the Asian community. The institution later became The Duke of Gloucester School before adopting its current name, Jamhuri High School, after independence.

Kenya High School was established in 1908 as the Kenya European Girls’ High School to educate girls from the European settler community.

Other early government-supported institutions included Machakos School, established in 1925, and Kabaa Boys High School in Machakos County, founded in 1923.

Pre-Independence Schools in Kenya

Several institutions established during the colonial period would later become synonymous with academic excellence and leadership development in independent Kenya.

Mang’u High School, founded in 1925 by Catholic missionaries, quickly established itself as a premier institution for African students.

Alliance High School and Alliance Girls High School were both established in 1926 through cooperation among Protestant missionary organizations to provide education opportunities for Africans during the colonial period.

Other historic institutions established before independence include Moi Girls High School, Eldoret, originally founded as Highlands High School in 1928, and Kitale School, established in 1929.

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