Sir Geoffrey William Griffin

Kenyan Educationist

Born in 1933 in Eldoret, Kenya Griffin was inspired by the idea of a model academic institution where destitute boys could acquire education. In 1959 together with the late Geoffrey Gatama Geturo and Joseph Kamiru Gikubu they founded the Starehe Boy’s Centre. Starehe, which started from 2 tin huts accommodating 17 orphans grew to be a Premier school in the country and Africa at large, offering free education to about 1000 orphans.

Griffin used to seek relentlessly for sponsorships from Kenya and abroad in order to ensure each boy at the centre was comfortable. The school has transformed the lives of many underprivileged bright boys in an institution based on concept of a family. Moreover, Starehe over the years has been an academic giant with excellent performance each year in the national examinations. The school every year ensures almost all the students secure a place in the university. Starehe alumni have gone out to the world and have accrued success. Some include, Raphael Tuju, Peter Kenneth, Prof. George Magoha, Dr. Guracha Galgalo and Dr. Julius Kipngetich.

Starehe Boys Centre gate

On the same principles Starehe came into existence Griffin also had dream of there being a girls’ school. After many years, Starehe Girls Centre opens its doors in January 2005 fulfilling his dream before he passed on later in the year.

He was also a pioneer in establishment of the National Youth Service while still in the civil service.

In June 28 2005, he died aged 72 at the Nairobi Hospital after succumbing to cancer.