History
When I secured a chance to join Kanga high school, I didn’t even know where the place was. Nevertheless, in May 1985, I found myself at Rapogi High School. The form 2N class, which was purely the Kanga class, under Mr. Athembo and Ms. Onyango who carried themselves with some pride. Kanga was then still under construction, the reason we were hosted by Rapogi. I vividly remember the tag ” Jo Kanga” which we put on with some pride then. We were only about 15 students. I can’t remember most, but I remember meeting the likes of Clitus, Andrew, Joshua, Kennedy, Dalmas, William et al who initiated me to the Kanga pride. It’s like they knew what was to be Kanga High School… Mr. Athembo always made us aware of the new school, which was to be a renown name later. Come 1986, January, we relocated to the home of Kanga High School. By then, there were only few class rooms some of which were temporary dormitories and a temporary Dinning Hall. There was no electricity, we were depending on pressure lamps for light. The pioneer class has the privilege of choosing the current school uniform from a set of varities presented by Mr. Ayoo. I wondered if this was the much talked about “pride of South Nyanza!”
Bathing and fetching water in the river, sleeping in the classrooms, walking all the way to Rakwaro for Sunday services was the norm. Nothing much reflected on the much talked about school. Only that we were given mattresses, troughs, plates, cups and other personal items. A luxury that many schools didn’t have. Maybe just to remind us that we were special. Later, Mr. Ayoo arrived early 1986. I remember he was housed in a wooden house, just near the classrooms. Then the first batch of the A levels arrived, followed by other teachers, most of who were of Ugandan origin. Kanga was taking shape, but nothing, in terms of infrastructure took place, apart from the school football ground which was completed. Mr. Hezekiah Oyugi, then the chairman board of Governors was a frequent visitor who oversaw every detail. One day we woke up to good news of visitation by H.E President Daniel Arap Moi who was the patron of the board. We had to practice some songs and by then Jekoniah, touted to be the most talented soloist and “orutu” player had been poached from Kanyawanga to make sure evey fine tunning was in place. Dede girls were also brought to spice up the show. After the presentation, President Moi bought each one of us a full loaf of bread and a music system for the school. This became the first time we had a dance at the then temporary Dinning Hall to be in company of Dede girls.
After the mocks of 1986, Kanga topped both the O and A levels, thus baptized the “Academic Giants” of South Nyanza, an achievement that made other girl schools to notice us despite Dede girls having coined the phrase “DEKANGS”. When the likes of Ogande, Ulanda, Nyabisawa, Nyabohanse took notice of the “GIANTS”, a scramble of the “sweet pie” began and Kanga was on demand.
Then came in another center of publicity and attraction when the French class, the first Form One class made it to the finals of the French competition. The whole country took notice of Kanga High School, South Nyanza. By then the “dreaded” every Friday CATS had began, with those getting below 30% receiving the best of 6, “midat” canes, which the watchman faithfully availed upon orders by the HH. Those who scored 70 percent and above had a blue “scholar” budge put on each one of them by the HM during parade, not forgetting the “rombo” tails that was specifically fried for the “scholars” and enjoying on their table irregardless of their classes. I was privileged to enjoy the delicacy, especially when we did the English CAT where several times I topped the school and of course got special recognition from the HM.
Several dignitaries also frequented the school, notably; Prof. Muga who was the secretary Board of Governors, Phoebe Asiyo, Dr. Grace Ogot among others. Come 1987, the school population had grown, teachers quarters, the OYUGI and ALPHA dorms done. We also had the Academic square with the presidential dias, the Kanga Highway already in place . Going to the river was still the norm, after which most passed through the “Nyandule cafe,” the nearest canteen then.
All through, speaking “Dholuo” was a cardinal sin, punishable by “midat” and a bone disc worn around the neck. I remember once a prefect had me on the list for just learning the word “koro”. English was to be spoken with the right pronunciation, not like a villager from Kabuoch, as Mr Ayoo would bark!! No wonder come 1987 National exams, the O levels performed extremely well. But the A levels broke history, I believe it still stands as being top 10 Nationally.
Fast forward Decades later Kanga High school has undergone through a tremendous Evolution with magnificent infrastructure including the KOBA Dorm. Congratulations to all the fallen heroes who laboured so hard to make Kanga what it is yet they didn’t get to see their fruits. Former president Moi, the late PS Oyugi, the technically first Principal Athembo, Madam Onyango, Principal Jorum Ayoo (at least those I can remember). Not forgetting the KOBA founders and the ever committed executive team, who have sacrificially and tirelessly contributed in one way or another. As our Chairman KOBA proudly says “ONCE A KANGARIAN, ALWAYS A KANGARIAN!!” I will always cherish being a KANGARIAN.