NAIROBI SCHOOL

NAIROBI SCHOOL

To The Uttermost.

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Nairobi School.

Nairobi School, nestled on over 80 hectares of land just 11 kilometers from the bustling city center of Kenya’s capital, holds a significant place in the country’s educational landscape. Established with a modest capacity of 80 boys, the school’s foundation stone was laid on 24th September 1929 by Sir Edward Grigg, the Governor of Kenya colony. Today, it stands as one of the leading National Schools in East and Central Africa, providing exceptional education to over 1100 students.Originally known as Kabete Boys Secondary School, the institution opened its doors in 1931 with not only the intended 80 boys but also 84 boarders and 20 day boys. Over time, the headmaster believed that a more fitting name was necessary, leading to the school being bestowed with the prestigious name of “Prince of Wales School.” Accompanying this name was a unique school badge, which featured the Prince of Wales feathers elegantly inserted between the horns of a Royal Impala, symbolizing the school’s commitment to the highest ideals. The school motto, “TO THE UTTERMOST,” further encapsulated the aspirations of its students. Throughout its early years, Nairobi School experienced remarkable growth in student enrollment, surpassing initial expectations. This growth necessitated the construction of new classrooms, although cement shortages during the late 1930s compelled the erection of temporary wooden structures. The advent of the Second World War and the subsequent involvement of Kenya further increased the school’s population. To accommodate the rising number of students, the Kenya Governor authorized the construction of corrugated iron dormitories, known as “Lacey’s Landies,” which later became the Intermediate/Fletcher House and the current Music Room.The war’s effects were keenly felt, prompting the school to become a day school due to the fear of bombings when the Italians joined the conflict in June 1940. The buildings were temporarily taken over by a military hospital, and students were relocated to the European Nairobi School, which is now known as Nairobi Primary School. However, during the Christmas break of 1941, Nairobi School returned to its premises in Kabete, while the Girls’ Secondary School took over the space at the European Nairobi School. The following year, European education became compulsory, resulting in a significant surge in enrollment. To accommodate this growth, additional temporary classrooms were erected as a “temporary wartime measure.”The school’s vibrant house system, consisting of Clive, Grigg, Hawke, and Rhodes Houses during its early years, thrived within the permanent building adjacent to the tuition block. Today, these houses have transformed into Marsabit and Elgon, named after iconic East African mountains. In 1943, the Rhodes/Nicholson complex was constructed, which now stands as the Serengeti and Athi Houses complex, epitomizing the school’s rich heritage. Notably, Nairobi School’s influence extends beyond its academic offerings. The institution boasts a history of cadet training courses of paramilitary standards. Originally established during the colonial era, these courses played a vital role during a time when Mau Mau activity was at its peak. Even after Kenya gained independence, the school continued with the cadet course until the government decided to suspend it following the unsuccessful coup d’état of 1982. The cadet section possessed uniforms, firearms, ammunition, an armory, a parade ground, and a shooting range, contributing to a comprehensive training experience. Kenya Regiment cadets proudly participated in march-pasts during National Days, and their commitment extended to sentry duties at the main gate and around the school premises.

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Open 24/7

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