Mzee left a mark at the school he taught

Kabarnet High School Principal Julius Ndirangu during an interview at the school in Kabarnet, Baringo county on February 10, 2020. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Throughout his life, Kabarnet Boys High School held a special place in the heart of President Daniel Moi.

It was here that Moi taught before joining the Legislative Council (Legco) in 1955.

Records at the school show Moi taught here between 1944 and 1948. He left, but returned in 1954 and served as the headteacher until 1955.

Records indicate that although he left the school to join Legco, he served as its patron for 42 years between 1963 and 2005.

In 1982, Moi set up a modern one-storey building that now serves as the school's administration block and 15 classrooms.

The block is featured on the Sh10 note of Kenya's currency. The image on the note also bears a tree planted by Moi, which stands in front of the building.

At the school, Moi also put up a dormitory named after him. It hosts 320 boys.

"The school was dear to the president. He treasured it," says Julius Ndirangu (pictured), the school's principal.

The school hosts 1,400 students.

Moi and education

According to Mr Ndirangu, Moi wanted people to identify him with education.

"He motivated many schools and touched the hearts of not only the students, but also teachers," he says.

For Kabarnet Boys, Moi was not just the president, he was a mentor and a friend.

"He did a lot for the school. From being a teacher to patron and also coming back to put up structures, he touched the hearts of many. The school was lucky to have him as a patron," said Ndirangu.

In Kabarnet Boys, Moi wanted to establish a centre of excellence and seal his legacy as an educationist.

"We will ensure we live up to Moi's dream and make this school the best," says the principal.

So far, the school has not disappointed. In last year's Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination, more than 150 students qualified to join various universities.