Lenana School was founded in 1949 by colonial Governor Philip Mitchell in Karen, Nairobi, on a 240-acre piece of land. Initially known as the Duke of York School, it was named after a British World War II battleship and was reserved for white students.
Known colloquially as 'Changez,' the school welcomed its pioneer cohort of 20 students, who were accommodated at Governor Mitchell's residence, which is currently the State House.