Describe the education developments of Kenya between 1910 – 1960.

The period between 1910 and 1960 saw significant developments in the education system of Kenya. Here are some key milestones:

Early 20th Century (1910-1930)

Missionary Influence: Christian missionaries played a crucial role in establishing formal education in Kenya. They set up schools to educate African children, focusing on basic literacy, religious instruction, and vocational training.

Government Involvement: The colonial government began to take an interest in education, establishing the Department of Education in 1911. This led to the creation of government schools and the introduction of standardized curricula.

Mid-20th Century (1930-1950)

Expansion of Schools: The number of schools increased significantly during this period. Both missionary and government schools expanded their reach, providing education to a larger number of African children.

Curriculum Development: Following the recommendation of education commissions, the curriculum was broadened to include subjects such as mathematics, science, and history. This was aimed at providing a more comprehensive education to students.

End of monopoly of mission schools on Education: When the missions banned female circumcision in 1929, the Kikuyu of the Central Province began to boycott mission schools and demanded an end to their monopoly over education. The Kikuyu opened independent schools that relied on indigenous community fundraising and collective labor to build schools.

Teacher Training: Teacher training colleges were established to improve the quality of education. These institutions trained African teachers who would go on to teach in schools across the country.

Late 20th Century (1950-1960)

African Education Movement: African leaders and communities began to demand better education for their children. This led to the establishment of independent schools, which were run by African communities and focused on providing quality education.

Policy Changes: The colonial government introduced policies aimed at improving education for Africans. This included the establishment of more schools, the introduction of scholarships, and the improvement of educational facilities preparing the country for self-rule.

Higher Education: The first higher education institution, the Royal Technical College (now the University of Nairobi), was established in 1956. This marked the beginning of higher education in Kenya.

Conclusion

The period between 1910 and 1960 was marked by significant developments in the education system of Kenya. The efforts of missionaries, the colonial government, and African communities contributed to the expansion and improvement of education in the country.

These developments laid the foundation for the post-independence education system in Kenya, which continued to evolve and expand in the following decades.

Please obtain free notes, exams and marking guides of Physics, chemistry, biology, history, from digitalteachers.co.ug website.

Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science