It was formed in 1949 by colonial governor Philip Euen Mitchell,[2] known then as the Duke of York School,[3] named after a British World War II 1939 King George V-class battleship.

The referral to old students of the school changed from the phrase Old Yorkist to Laibons, the latter being a title given to religious figures of the Maasai.

A picture of Lenana painted by a student artist called Sam Madoka hangs next to the steps that lead to the 2nd floor of the administration block.

After the colonial era, Lenana continued the course until it was stopped by the government after the unsuccessful 1982 coup d'état.

The cadet section had uniforms, guns, ammunition, an armoury, a parade ground with adjacent stores and offices, an obstacle course, and a shooting range.

The school also hosts the John Andrews Memorial 7-a-side Rugby Tournament, in honour of a former student.

Many former students have gone on to represent the country on the national team in international tournaments as well as play professionally abroad.