If Charles Ogeto’s father had his way, the co-founder of Maestro Architects would today probably be sifting through books of accounts in some organization.
“My father felt that in order to be able to handle and make money, I needed to take a course that deals with finances”, says Charles. And that is how he selected Bachelor of Commerce course at the University of Nairobi while completing his A-Level studies at Kagumo High School back in 1987. But it wasn’t to be.
When the then school Principal Francis Mwangi noticed his selection, he called Charles aside. “Charles, you are a bright student; you have some artistic and technical talent and I believe the best course for you would be Architecture.” And with that, the Commerce option was whited out and replaced with Architecture.
The high entry cut-off marks for the course were not a deterrent and in no time, Charles’ excellent grades earned him admission to the coveted University and course.
Today, as a director at Maestro Architects, a leading architectural practice in Kenya, Charles has no regrets in the course his life took after the Principal’s intervention. Not only has he had immense success in his practice but has also contributed significantly to the industry through education and mentorship programmes.
Charles Ogeto started school in Mombasa where his father was working as a police officer. As he grew up, he moved around the country depending on his father’s workstation at any one time. He sat for his primary level examination at St. Paul’s Primary School in Mbotela Estate, Nairobi, and was admitted to Mawego Technical School, a prestigious national institution at the time. After his O-Levels, he was admitted to Kagumo High School for the two-year A-Level education.
Charles’ interest in art and technical studies was already ignited at Mawego where he studied among other subjects, building drawing, masonry, carpentry and plumbing. In essence, he already had an introduction to the world of construction at an early age and the progression to pursue a career in architecture was only natural, even if unclear to him at the time. “I could already draw some small houses for teachers”, reveals Charles.
Arch. Charles Ogeto believes in striking a balance between profession, personal interests and family. A married father of four, Charles finds time from his demanding architectural work to engage in other activities. Few people know his passion for drama and poetry. In high school, Charles was a serious actor and at one time was named “Best Actor” for his exploits. He has composed over 200 poems, some of which he has presented at forums. “I intend to eventually publish them”, he says.
Charles also plays a role in his local Catholic Church through motivational talks and fundraising.
In addition, he serves as a Board of Management (BOM) member of several schools, an undertaking he cherishes as part of giving back to the community.
In order to keep youth engaged and nurture talent, Charles developed The Wildside Active Living, a sports-oriented recreational centre on Mombasa Road where residents in the vicinity of Syokimau and beyond can swim, play football, table tennis, board games etc. With a view of the adjacent Nairobi National Park and the Ngong Hills in the distance, the centre is a perfect place to unwind. Events are also held at there. The Wildside Active Living is managed by his wife, who is not only a trained administrator but also a project manager. Charles intends to replicate this centre in other areas of the country.
Leisure travel is another of Charles’ hobbies. Although in the course of his work he gets to travel abroad from time to time, Charles has visited several countries to relax and see the world. One of his most recent was a trip to the United States where he visited several places in California and Nevada, including Hollywood and Las Vegas.
In some of these trips, Charles has shared his observations with professional colleagues through the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) during their CPD programmes.
Charles is also a private developer in his own right with several projects in areas like Kajiado, Laikipia and Kisii. In Kajiado, he has done Pazuri Suites and his high-end medium size resort in Kisii (The Rolling Chaa) is nearing completion.
Do his children wish to take up his career? “My son is currently studying Computer Science at the United States International University Nairobi Campus”, he reveals. Charles hopes to further expose him at international level and hopefully have him back to take part in the family business.
His other child, a daughter is pursuing Pharmacy at the University of Nairobi while the younger sons are in Form 2 and Grade 7.
Any interest in politics? “No, no, no”, he says. “I’m averse to politics. I like taking the route taken by the late Chris Kirubi. Taking political sides means you are always in the spotlight and you keep changing affiliations depending on the season. I prefer to remain a business person.”
