Light at end of the tunnel for sleeping giant

By Vincent Bartoo

The mention of St Patrick’s High School Iten evokes fond memories of a sports and academic powerhouse.

So respected was the institution that it’s alumni simply referred to it as "The Saint".

In the 1970s and 80s, the school never went below the tenth position in national examination rankings.

It’s unrivalled performance in volleyball, basketball and athletics even made it the dream of many students.

Some of it’s former students today dominate the political, business, intellectual and sports arena in the country.

Students of St Patrick’s High school, Iten, leave their classrooms during break time. The school is poised for major rehabilitation. There are also plans to start a university at the school’s 100-acre farm. Photo: Peter Ochieng’/Standard

This explains why it became a major concern when the school’s graph started falling in the mid 1990s.

Besides education, its prowess in sports, which added to it’s international fame also started to decline.

But unknown to many, a group of old boys and local intellectuals have been burning their mid night oil to restore the school’s lost glory.

Christened "The Dream Team," the group has lined up a series of activities to yank the ‘saint’ back from slumber.

One of the team’s long-term ambition is to transform the institution into a center for academic excellence and a multi-purpose sports centre. There are also plans to start a university at the school’s 100-acre farm.

To boost their morale, the ‘dream team’ has invited President Mwai Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and retired President Moi to grace the school’s Golden Jubilee celebrated slated for March.

The ‘dream team’ includes the current Chairman of the Board of Governors (BoG), Dr Christopher Kiptoo, James Chirchir, Jinaro Kibet, Reuben Chepngar, Ms Moira Chepkok, Joseph Serem, Brother Felim Ryan, Dr Mary Kipsat, Ms Christine Ng’eno and James Murray.

Others are Matthem Kurui, William Chemitei, Nicodemus Anyang, Mike Kosgey, Ms Bernadette Kibet and Mr Richard Olewe.

Leading athletes

The school’s alumni members is composed of young and energetic members including US based Kipchirchir Chemjor, Kenneth Kipkulei as well as Patrick Ongus.

Brother Colm O’Connell, who is one of Kenya’s leading athletics coach also sits on the board.

Colm O’connel, BOG member

Mr Alex Oyuga, the Principal

Dr Chris Kiptoo, 'dream team' member and BOG chairman

Brother Colm coached the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) athlete of the year 2010, David Rudisha, among others.

Others who have joined the cause to revive St Patricks High School include Brother Paul Brennan, who taught at the school for 15 years.

"I am so proud to be part of these efforts as well as the Golden Jubilee celebrations coming soon in March," he said.

The alumni association work with the school’s management team led by current Principal, Mr Alex Oyuga to implement the reforms. Mr Oyuga is currently overseas on an education trip.

"We believe the alumni is the best bet for the revival of the school because most of them are in high places," Dr Kiptoo said.

Keiyo North MP Lucas Chepkitony, whose constituency the school lies, said the school took a downturn after Irish missionaries who established it left.

"The Patrician missionary brothers from Ireland really devoted their time and energies to get the school among the top in the country," said Chepkitony, himself an old boy of the school.

Brother Marcelles Deroderick, a former principal of the school from 1968 to 1986 said they brought to the institution 100 years of teaching experience passed on to them by their predecessors.

"We respected each other and as teachers, the students were our greatest asset. We treated them well, there was no corporal punishment during my time," he said.

Brother Marcelles said he operated an open door policy.

"I remember giving them the go ahead to report me to the District Education Officer if they felt I was not doing my job," he told The Standard in an Interview.

But a combination of factors later conspired to rob the school of its place and eclipsed it from the limelight.

Chepkitony is optimistic the revival plan would succeed.

"It is an aggressive team with a good vision. I have no doubt they will do it," said Chepkitony.

And the old boys are now using the Internet to mobilise themselves.

Membership fees

Since June when these efforts were launched, the team has received overwhelming response from the old boys based locally and in the diaspora.

"Many have registered as alumni and we have even started receiving membership fees and donations from our colleagues," said Dr Kiptoo.

From such financial support, the alumni was able to host a retreat for the school community in Eldoret recently.

"The retreat was important for soul searching. All we need now is support from all stakeholders to move forward," said Mike Kosgei, the School’s Parents Teachers Association (PTA) Chairman.