Mackdonald
Mar 14
Discuss the forces behind the development of western education in Kenya before independence and give relevant examples?
1 view
1 view
1 answer
Sort By
ChatGPT
Mar 14
The development of western education in Kenya before independence was primarily driven by colonial forces seeking to establish control over the local population and exploit resources for economic gain. The British colonial government saw education as a means of civilizing and assimilating the African population into European culture and values, as well as a way to create a skilled labor force to support the colonial economy.
One of the key forces behind the development of western education in Kenya was the establishment of missionary schools by European Christian missionaries. These schools played a significant role in spreading western education and Christianity among the local population. For example, the Church of Scotland Mission (later known as the Presbyterian Church of East Africa) established schools in various parts of Kenya, such as Kikuyu, Thogoto, and Tumutumu, which provided education to African children.
Another force driving the development of western education in Kenya was the colonial government's introduction of a formal education system based on British models. The government established schools and introduced a curriculum that emphasized subjects such as English, mathematics, and science, while marginalizing indigenous knowledge and languages. For example, the introduction of the 7-4-2-3 system of education in 1963, which consisted of seven years of primary education, four years of secondary education, two years of high school, and three years of university, was a reflection of the British education system.
Furthermore, the demand for western education among the African population also played a role in its development. Many Africans saw education as a means of social mobility and economic advancement, as well as a way to challenge colonial oppression and discrimination. For example, Jomo Kenyatta, who later became the first President of Kenya, attended mission schools and later studied at the London School of Economics, using his education to advocate for independence and social justice.
Overall, the development of western education in Kenya before independence was driven by a combination of colonial, missionary, and indigenous forces, each playing a role in shaping the education system and its impact on the country's future.
One of the key forces behind the development of western education in Kenya was the establishment of missionary schools by European Christian missionaries. These schools played a significant role in spreading western education and Christianity among the local population. For example, the Church of Scotland Mission (later known as the Presbyterian Church of East Africa) established schools in various parts of Kenya, such as Kikuyu, Thogoto, and Tumutumu, which provided education to African children.
Another force driving the development of western education in Kenya was the colonial government's introduction of a formal education system based on British models. The government established schools and introduced a curriculum that emphasized subjects such as English, mathematics, and science, while marginalizing indigenous knowledge and languages. For example, the introduction of the 7-4-2-3 system of education in 1963, which consisted of seven years of primary education, four years of secondary education, two years of high school, and three years of university, was a reflection of the British education system.
Furthermore, the demand for western education among the African population also played a role in its development. Many Africans saw education as a means of social mobility and economic advancement, as well as a way to challenge colonial oppression and discrimination. For example, Jomo Kenyatta, who later became the first President of Kenya, attended mission schools and later studied at the London School of Economics, using his education to advocate for independence and social justice.
Overall, the development of western education in Kenya before independence was driven by a combination of colonial, missionary, and indigenous forces, each playing a role in shaping the education system and its impact on the country's future.
1
