The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
George Fox, the founder of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), came to Kenya in 1902, a year after the Uganda Railway reached Kisumu. Fox began establishing schools in Western Kenya, but it was not until 1964 that Vihiga High School was established, deriving its name from three big stones resembling cooking stones (mahiga) in the area.
Fox found it interesting and later translated it to Vihiga, which became a boarding school on eight acres in Emia, Vihiga Constituency.
Saturdays were treasured. Student lined up for ‘Sembe na mzwanda’ (Ugali and meat, albeit two pieces) and few can forget Ondego the school cook.
It was at Vihiga Boys that Kenya Rugby Sevens vice-captain, Collins Injera, snubbed soccer for the less-fancied rugby. Injera’s 225 tries makes him the second highest try scorer in World Rugby Sevens after Argentine Santiago Gomez Cora!
Other rugger talents who were students at Vihiga High include; Injera’s Kenya Sevens compatriot, Oscar Ayodi, Homeboyz Rugby team’s Shaban Ahmed, Edgar Abere and Collins Shikoli. Soccer talents comprise Ulinzi midfielder Churchil Muloma, former AFC Leopards captain Martin Imbalambala, Gor Mahia defender Harun Shakava and Western stima goalie Willis Ochieng. Even steeplechase athletes Hillary Yegon and Shadrack Yegon ate obusuma at Vihiga.
Other notable alumni who sang the Masomo Kwanza motto include; Masinde Muliro University Deputy VC Prof Egara Kabaji, Lugari MP Ayub Savula (Mudavadi House dormitory) and Pwani FM’s Collins Adede.
Others who dressed in cream trousers, light blue shirts and sweaters are US army engineer Aggrey Ketenyi (in Afghanistan), Namibia-based creative director Vincent Kikuyu and USA-based doctor, Prof Gilbert O
