Directors, Institute of Anthropology, Gender & African Studies since Inception—1970

Abstract

The Institute of African Studies (IAS) was established in August 1970 and was charged with the responsibility of promoting and conducting original researches in the field of African prehistory and history; musicology and dance; traditional and modern arts crafts; religion and other belief systems.

The origin of the Institute dates back to 1966 when a Cultural Division was established in the Institute for Development Studies of the then University College, Nairobi. The Cultural Division embarked on its first research programmes in January 1967 following the appointment of its first two Research Fellows. With the inauguration of the University of Nairobi in July 1970, the Cultural Division was transformed into an Institute and given statutes governing its work. The statutes provide for a Board Chaired by the Director, and consisting of Research Fellows and, in addition, representatives from other university departments and institutes, two government ministries, the British Institute in Eastern Africa, and the National Museums.