Kakamega High School alumni commit Sh120 million to refurbish stadium

Kakamega High School alumni have embarked on restoring the rich culture of the former Government African School Kakamega in a move to protect the school's legacy.

The school's soccer team, Green Commandos, ruled Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) football from the 1980s to the 1990s.

The ‘Mabao Stadium’ is being refurbished to the tune of Sh120 million. The stadium with a capacity of 10,000 people will serve the entire region. This will include perimeter walls, standard dressing rooms, running turf, washrooms and security lights.

The chairman, Isaac Kwoba, said once complete, the projects will be self-sustainable.

"Once we are done, we will be assured of the Green Commandos sustainability. We are doing everything to ensure we develop and nurture talents which should begin with putting structures in place," Kwoba said.

Under the Green Commandos Sports Club (GCSC) banner football pitches, two rugby fields, home to the school's Barbarian rugby team, the basketball court, swimming pool and improvement on the school infrastructure are next on the card.

Further, the alumni continue donating an assortment of football balls to the team and negotiate with Hella Verona FC, Italy for a mentorship programme which saw one of its tactician released for talent development.

Additionally, former school players have also rolled out a benevolent programme to support bright needy learners in footing school fees for talented students.

This is by partnering with FirstPoint USA, a leading student placement entity that delivers exciting academic and sporting opportunities to international students and Iowa Wesleyan University of USA on a cultural support programme.

Mentorship

Through class adoption, old boys have embarked on an ambitious project to mentor students as part of their strategic plan engagements to ensure they achieve their best academically.

Under the school fees for needy students, the alumni collect Sh1 million every year toward the programme geared towards giving back to the community.

This year, the Katcherians donated two bulls worth Sh108,000 which were slaughtered for the over 1,800 students to motivate them to perform well in academics.

The school which was founded by the Local Native Council (North Kavirondo District Council) in 1932 through taxing the local men had Harold Arthur Waterloo Chapman as school Principal.

The current Chief Principal is Dr Julius Mambili.

Those who still remember the school motto: ‘In Unity Is Strength’ include former Vice President Moody Awori, former Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende, former Tourism CS Najib Balala, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, former Labour Minister Newton Kulundu, former Wildlife and Forestry minister Noah Wekesa, Chairman Housing Corporation Yusuf Chanzu.

Others who clad in dark grey trousers, white shirts, black ties with green sweaters include Dr Philip Amuyunzu; Biophysical Society Ambassador (Africa), President of Institution of Engineers Kenya Erick Ohaga; Law Society of Kenya chairman Eric Theuri, Alex Asutsa, Assistant Director of Education, Humphrey Webuye, Academic Registrar University of Nairobi.

Alumni in media include former Nairobian Editor Ted Malanda, former Standard Editor Alphonce Shiundu, Joseph Mambili, Franklin Ojoo.

Katch School has seeded several footballers including Harambee Stars' Simon Mulama ‘Seppe’, Joseph Atitwa ‘Moreno’, Maurice Sunguti, Bonventure Maruti, Mike Amwayi, Reginald Asibwa, Dennis Munyendo, Martin Musisi, Mike Kisaghi, Patrick “Omar bongo” Shilasi, Eliud Omukuya, Mike “Computer” Wambani, Japhary Oyando, Sebastian Owino and Mohammed Fwaya.

Others are Bernard Biko and Apollo Otieno who walked straight to the starting 11 (Chemelil Sugar) after finishing school, Harun Nyakha (Ushuru FC), Timothy Odhiambo ‘Chita’ and Vincent Chacha (Ulinzi Stars), Vitalis Akumu, Kelvin Monyi and Selemani Majenga (Western Stima), Pistone Mutamba (Wazito FC), Alfred ‘Kemboi’ Wekesa (formerly AFC Leopards), Erick Ouma ‘Marcelo’ (AIK, Sweden), Edwin Mukolwe (Nairobi Stima), Apollo Otieno (Tusker FC) and  Joseph Stanley ‘Crouch’ Okumu (Elfsborg, Sweden).