OKT British Charity Trustees

The Optimum Kenya Trust was founded in late 2013 by Old Yorkists who were privileged to attend the Duke of York School many years ago, now renamed The Lenana School. The Founding Trustees of the Optimum Kenya Trust (OKT) are as follows;

John O'Grady, B.A.

Kirk House 1957 - 1960

Grogan House 1960 - 1962

After far too many years involved in IT marketing for mainly US owned hardware, software and services companies, I eventually established my own small company in Monaco before retiring a little too early. I now live in the South of France with my wife Rita and we are visited from time to time by our son Alexander and daughter Karin.

aLAN may,  FCA

Kirk House 1957 - 1961

Alan attended the Duke of York school from 1957 – 1961 as a boarder in Kirk House. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He worked in Kenya for 10 years, before moving to the UK in 1976 with his young family. He subsequently enjoyed a stimulating career in the development of a successful public company from which he retired in 2001. He now lives in Cornwall, playing golf and managing his own business interests. Alan is married to Maureen and they have a son Nick, who lives in Beijing and a daughter, Michelle, who lives close by with her two daughters.  

Nigel Gaymer, FCA.

Lugard House 1957 - 1962

I was a member of Lugard House, achieving more success on the sports field than in the classroom, but with many happy memories. Returning to England, I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and have spent an interesting and enjoyable career in business across a number of industries and I am still involved with a growing company in the medical world. I am also a Volunteer and Trustee of other charities and our local school.

Continuing my love of sport, I have played hockey up to veteran status and now try to spend a bit more time on the golf course.

I have two children, Adam and Kirstin, who both have growing families and have been very supportive since my wife Kate passed away. Recently, following a friend's introduction, I have a new and happy relationship with Liz and her family.

Alex O'Grady, M.Sci.

Alex is the son of John O'Grady and a founding Trustee of the Optimum Kenya Trust. He lives in London where he is a senior consultant for a software company. He has been to Kenya on many occasions and visited Lenana School. Alex is the curator of the Trust website you are now visiting and manages the Trust communications.

MSAADA Kenya Charity Trustees

In addition to the Optimum Kenya Trust, another Trust has just been established in Kenya called the Msaada Kenya Trust which will work in conjunction with the OKT locally. Both Trusts have the same Object Clause, objectives and intentions. Richard Leakey, one of our more famous ex-pupils has agreed to be the Patron of the Msaada Kenya Trust. All of the Founding Trustees attended the Duke of York/Lenana School and they are as follows;

Peter Gachuhi

Speke House 1975-1978

Peter is a Partner at Kaplan & Stratton Advocates and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Peter is also Deputy Chancellor of the Anglican Church of Kenya. The Church has offered chaplaincy at Lenana for decades.

Arnie Mitchell

Speke House 1963 to 1968

One of Kenya's leading rugby players in the late 60s and early 70s. Currently working in Financial Services and living in Kenya on Family Property in Limuru. Aircraft engineer, maker of home built aircraft, hovercraft, cars. Successful owner of leading car hire business. Grand son of the founder of Limuru girls school. Investment advisor.