In the mid 60’s, the Friends Church Quakers established Musingu High School in Kakamega County; an institution that would develop to become one of the most cherished schools in Kenya.

During its early days, the community also provided land and participated in harambees to build the school. It is on record that in 1964 Kenya’s first vice president Jaramogi Oginga Odinga contributed Ksh 2000 that went into construction of the school.

The foundation of Musingu was based on producing holistic individuals who can excel in various disciplines while being flexible to adapt to various environment and changing needs.

Musingu profile

The school’s mission is to create a sustaining and enabling environment for one to identify and nurture talents by focusing on both academics and extra-curriculum activities.

Its vision is to develop an educable individual useful to the society at all times.

The motto is nidhamu na bidii which translates to discipline and hardwork.

School principal

The current chief principal is Elfas Aliba. He took over from Bernard Lukuya who retired early this year (2025).

Excelling in sports

Musingu is a renowned sports powerhouse. Its football team, named the Scorpions has recently been a stubborn headache for their neighbours Kakamega School. Musingu won the national crown in 1984 and  emerged runners up in 2024 and 2025.

Musingu also has a strong hockey team and have lifted the national trophy in the past two years. It also excels in handball and rugby.

Producing top lawyers

A number of distinguished legal brains also studied at Musingu High School. These are veterans like John Khaminwa, former LSK President Nelson Havi, Edwin Sifuna and Elisha Ongoya.

John Khaminwa 

He has been in the legal profession for over 50 years and is a renowned human rights champion. He is recognised for successfully arguing against the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) that was being spearheaded by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga. He attended Musingu Intermediate School and proceeded to Alliance High School and did his bachelor’s degree in law at Dar Es Salaam University.

Nelson Havi

He attended Nangili Primary School and proceeded to Musingu High School. The former LSK President then Matriculated at University of Nairobi for his law degree. He holds a Master of Law (LL.M) from University of London.

Elisha Ongoya

He is a renowned advocate of the High Court of Kenya whose acerbic wit in cross-examination has left various witnesses confused and embarrassed. His legal acumen saw him hired during the impeachment proceedings against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Ongoya went to Musingu High School and subsequently joined University of Nairobi for a Bachelors of Law degree.

Edwin Sifuna

The Nairobi senator who also serves as ODM secretary general attended Kakamega Township Primary School before joining Musingu High School and proceeding to UoN to kickstart his legal career.