Discuss the structure of the system of education in Kenya in the period 1945-1963?

During the period of 1945-1963, the system of education in Kenya was largely influenced by the British colonial government. The structure of the education system was hierarchical and segregated, with different levels of education available to different racial and ethnic groups.

At the top of the hierarchy were the elite European schools, which provided a high-quality education to the children of British settlers and government officials. These schools offered a curriculum that focused on academic subjects and prepared students for further education in Europe.

Below the European schools were the Asian schools, which provided education to the children of Indian and Pakistani immigrants. These schools also offered a curriculum that emphasized academic subjects and prepared students for further education in India or the United Kingdom.

At the bottom of the hierarchy were the African schools, which provided a basic education to the majority of the population. These schools were often underfunded and overcrowded, and the curriculum focused on vocational training rather than academic subjects. Many African students were unable to continue their education beyond primary school due to financial constraints and lack of opportunities.

Overall, the education system in Kenya during this period was characterized by inequality and segregation, with different racial and ethnic groups receiving vastly different levels of education. This system of education was designed to maintain the social and economic dominance of the European settlers and to limit the opportunities available to the African population.

Structure of the Education System in Kenya (1945-1963)

During this period, Kenya's education system was characterized by a dual structure that reflected the colonial power dynamic.

European Education System:

- Administered by the British colonial government
- Offered in English as the medium of instruction
- Targeted primarily at the children of European settlers and wealthy Africans
- Provided higher-quality education, including secondary and university education

African Education System:

- Managed by local authorities and church missions
- Taught in vernacular languages
- Had limited funding and resources
- Focused on basic literacy and vocational skills
- Limited opportunities for secondary and university education

Key Features:

Curriculum:

- European education: Emphasis on Western literature, history, science, and mathematics.
- African education: Practical skills (e.g., agriculture, carpentry) and basic literacy.

Teachers:

- European education: Highly qualified British teachers.
- African education: Many teachers had limited training or were untrained.

Admission and Progression:

- European education: Highly selective admission process and competitive progression requirements.
- African education: Admission based on availability of resources and teacher recommendations.

Governance:

- European education: Controlled directly by the colonial government.
- African education: Managed by local authorities and religious organizations under government supervision.

Disparities:

- Significant disparities existed between the two systems in terms of quality, resources, and opportunities.
- African students faced discrimination and limited access to higher education.

Impact of the Education System:

- The dual system perpetuated social inequality between European settlers and Africans.
- The limited opportunities for African education hindered their economic and social mobility.
- However, it also laid the foundation for the development of a vibrant and diverse post-independence education system.