About Us | Kakamega High School — History, Mission & Leadership Since 1927

Q: When was Kakamega High School founded?

Kakamega High School was founded in 1927, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious national boys' secondary schools in Kenya. For nearly a century, the school has been producing outstanding leaders, scholars, and professionals who have contributed significantly to Kenya's development.

Q: How many students does Kakamega High School have?

Kakamega High School currently has over 2,148 students across all four forms (Grade 10-12), supported by more than 180 teaching and non-teaching staff members. The school maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio to ensure quality education for every student.

Q: What type of school is Kakamega High School?

Kakamega High School is a national boys' secondary school in Kenya, classified as an extra-county national school under the Ministry of Education. It is a boarding school that admits high-performing male students from across Kenya based on their KCPE examination results.

A Legacy of Excellence Since 1927

Founded in 1927 during the colonial era, Kakamega High School began as a small regional institution with a vision to provide quality education to the youth of Western Kenya. Over the decades, it has grown into one of Kenya's most prestigious national boys' secondary schools, recognized for its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development.

Today, the school stands as a symbol of educational achievement in Kenya, attracting bright students from across the country who seek to benefit from its rigorous academic programs, world-class facilities, and rich tradition of excellence.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. At Kakamega High School, we don't just teach — we transform lives and build futures." — School Motto

The school's journey reflects Kenya's own evolution — from colonial times through independence to the modern era. Through every chapter, Kakamega High School has remained steadfast in its mission to nurture young men who will lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and excel in all endeavors.

Kakamega High School historic campus view

1927

Year Founded

Our Journey Through Time

Key milestones in nearly a century of educational excellence

School Founded

Kakamega High School established as a regional institution to serve the educational needs of Western Kenya's youth.

1927

National School Status

Elevated to national school status, admitting top-performing students from across Kenya.

1963

First National Champions

Won first national athletics championship, establishing the school's reputation in sports excellence.

1975

Modern Campus Expansion

Major campus expansion including new science laboratories, library, and sports facilities.

1992

Digital Learning Era

Introduction of computer laboratories and digital learning resources, preparing students for the 21st century.

2008

Centennial Preparation

Major infrastructure upgrades and academic reforms as the school prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027.

2024

Our Vision, Mission & Values

The guiding principles that shape our educational philosophy and institutional culture

Our Vision

To be a world-class institution of excellence that nurtures holistic development and produces globally competitive leaders of tomorrow.

Global competitiveness
Holistic development
Future-ready leaders

Our Mission

To provide quality holistic education that nurtures academic excellence, moral integrity, sports achievement, and leadership skills in every student.

Academic excellence
Moral integrity
Leadership development

Our Core Values

The principles that guide every aspect of our school community and educational approach.

Excellence & Integrity
Discipline & Respect
Unity & Service

The Six Pillars of Our Character

Six core values that define the Kakamega High School experience

Excellence

Striving for the highest standards in academics, sports, and character in everything we do.

Integrity

Upholding honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all our actions and decisions.

Discipline

Building self-control, responsibility, and commitment through structured learning environments.

Unity

Celebrating diversity and fostering brotherhood among students from all regions of Kenya.

Service

Developing a spirit of servant leadership and commitment to giving back to the community.

Knowledge

Pursuing lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity as foundations for personal growth.

Our Leadership Team

Experienced educators dedicated to guiding our students toward excellence

DM

Dr. David Mukhwana

Principal

Visionary educator with 25+ years of experience leading national schools. PhD in Educational Leadership from University of Nairobi.

PhD Education 25+ Years

JO

Mr. James Ochieng

Deputy Principal - Academics

Seasoned academic administrator specializing in curriculum development and student performance optimization.

M.Ed Curriculum 20+ Years

SW

Mr. Samuel Wanyama

Deputy Principal - Administration

Expert in school administration and student welfare with extensive experience in boarding school management.

MBA Administration 18+ Years

PK

Mr. Peter Kiprop

Head of Sciences

Award-winning science educator and researcher, leading our STEM programs to national recognition.

MSc Physics 15+ Years

RN

Mrs. Ruth Nekesa

Head of Languages

Passionate language educator fostering communication excellence and cultural appreciation among students.

MA Literature 16+ Years

JM

Mr. John Mwangi

Director of Sports

Former national athletics coach with Level 3 IAAF certification, developing champion athletes since 2008.

IAAF Level 3 15+ Years

GO

Mr. George Odhiambo

Head of Humanities

Dedicated humanities educator promoting critical thinking and global awareness in students.

MA History 14+ Years

MW

Ms. Mary Wanjiru

Dean of Students

Student counselor and mentor focused on holistic development, discipline, and student welfare.

MSc Counseling 12+ Years

Our Achievements & Recognition

Numbers that reflect our commitment to excellence across all domains

98%

University Pass Rate

Consistently exceeding national averages

B+

Mean Grade 2025

Above national mean of B Plain

45+

Sports Trophies

Regional and national championships

12

Gold Medals

National athletics championships 2025

50K+

Proud Alumni

Leaders across all sectors globally

Top 5%

National Ranking

Among Kenya's best-performing schools

15+

Clubs & Societies

Diverse extracurricular opportunities

8

Sports Programs

Comprehensive athletic development

🎓 Notable Alumni

Our graduates are making significant contributions across Kenya and the world

DK

Dr. David K. Khalfani

Class of 1985

Senior Surgeon, Kenyatta National Hospital

Leading cardiothoracic surgeon who has performed over 2,000 life-saving surgeries and mentors young medical professionals across East Africa.

PM

Prof. Peter M. Munya

Class of 1990

Professor of Engineering, University of Nairobi

Renowned engineering professor and researcher with over 150 published papers in international journals. Pioneer in renewable energy research.

JO

Hon. James O. Odeke

Class of 1988

Member of Parliament, Kakamega

Distinguished public servant and legislator championing education reform and youth empowerment initiatives in Western Kenya.

SW

Samuel W. Wekesa

Class of 1995

CEO, Leading Tech Company

Technology entrepreneur who founded one of East Africa's fastest-growing fintech companies, creating over 500 jobs in the process.

BK

Bishop Benjamin K. Khamala

Class of 1982

Senior Religious Leader

Respected spiritual leader known for community development work and interfaith dialogue promoting peace and unity across Kenya.

MO

Michael O. Onyango

Class of 2002

National Team Athlete

Olympic medalist and former national record holder in middle-distance running, inspiring the next generation of Kenyan athletes.

RN

Dr. Robert N. Ndung'u

Class of 1992

Research Scientist, KEMRI

Leading infectious disease researcher whose work on tropical diseases has contributed to global health advancements and policy changes.

FW

Felix W. Wamalwa

Class of 1998

Senior Advocate, High Court

Distinguished lawyer specializing in constitutional law and human rights, representing landmark cases that have shaped Kenyan jurisprudence.

World-Class Campus Facilities

Modern infrastructure supporting academic excellence and holistic development

Modern Library

Over 30,000 books, digital resources, and quiet study spaces for academic research.

Science Laboratories

Fully equipped Physics, Chemistry, and Biology labs with modern apparatus.

Computer Labs

State-of-the-art computer facilities with high-speed internet for digital learning.

Sports Complex

400m athletic track, football pitch, basketball courts, and indoor gymnasium.

Modern Dormitories

Comfortable boarding facilities with study areas and 24/7 security supervision.

Dining Hall

Spacious dining facility serving nutritious meals prepared by professional chefs.

Music & Drama Hall

Auditorium for performances, assemblies, and cultural events with modern sound systems.

Medical Clinic

On-campus clinic with qualified nurses providing 24/7 healthcare for students.

Security Systems

Modern CCTV, fire detection, and 24/7 security patrol ensuring student safety.

Affiliations & Accreditations

Recognized by leading educational and governmental bodies

Ministry of Education

Kenya Government

KNEC

Kenya National Examinations Council

KESSHA

Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association

Sports Kenya

National Sports Federation

ODPC

Office of Data Protection Commissioner

Alumni Association

Global Network of Old Boys

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Kakamega High School answered

Kakamega High School was founded in 1927, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious national boys' secondary schools in Kenya. For nearly a century, the school has been producing outstanding leaders, scholars, and professionals who have contributed significantly to Kenya's development.

The mission of Kakamega High School is to provide quality holistic education that nurtures academic excellence, moral integrity, sports achievement, and leadership skills in every student, preparing them to become responsible citizens and future leaders of Kenya and beyond.

Kakamega High School currently has over 2,148 students across all four forms (Grade 10-12), supported by more than 180 teaching and non-teaching staff members. The school maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio to ensure quality education for every student.

Kakamega High School is a national boys' secondary school in Kenya, classified as an extra-county national school under the Ministry of Education. It is a boarding school that admits high-performing male students from across Kenya based on their KCPE examination results.

Our six core values are: Excellence, Integrity, Discipline, Unity, Service, and Knowledge. These values guide every aspect of school life, from academic pursuits to character development, sports, and community engagement.

Campus visits are welcome by appointment. Please contact our administration office at +254 56 51721 or email [email protected] to schedule a guided tour. Visits are typically available Monday through Friday during school hours, excluding examination periods.

All graduates of Kakamega High School are automatically members of our alumni association. To connect with fellow alumni, access alumni events, or contribute to school development projects, please contact the alumni office at [email protected] or visit our alumni portal.

About Kakamega High School