Makasembo Secondary School in Rarieda sub county, an institution founded over 50 years ago by founding President Jomo Kenyatta, is currently undergoing a comprehensive renovation to replace dilapidated infrastructure.

Because the school’s aging structures posed significant risks to both students and teachers, the Ministry of Public Works had previously declared most of the buildings condemned and ordered their destruction.

The ongoing revitalization is the result of a collaborative effort involving area MP Dr Otiende Amollo, the school’s alumni, community members, and other stakeholders.

Raila Odinga’s touch

A significant boost to these efforts occurred in July 2025, when the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga led a fundraiser that successfully raised S24million.

This capital was prioritized for the construction of a storey dormitory complex to replace old structures, a new principal’s residence, and a multi-storey science laboratory complex.

Recent progress assessments have confirmed that a state-of-the-art, 300-bed capacity dormitory complex for boys and the new principal’s residence are now complete and ready for handover.

Construction of the science laboratory complex remains underway and is projected to be finished within the next few months.

School patron and former Kisumu town mayor, Onyango Radier, noted that the projects have remained on schedule due to the prudent management of funds.

Moving forward, the school’s leadership is shifting its focus to addressing remaining needs, which include the construction of a girls’ dormitory and the establishment of a reliable water supply. To ensure consistent access to water and maintain high hygiene standards, the school plans to initiate a water project drawing from Lake Victoria, located one kilometer away, which will replace current, unreliable water sources.