The contribution of private universities to the development of higher education in Kenya the case of Kenya Methodist University (1997 – 2013)
Abstract
This project is an historical research. Its prime concern describes a study on the
contribution of the private universities to the development of higher education in Kenya;
the case of Kenya Methodist University 1997-2013.
The objectives of the study was to investigate the origin and development of Kenya
Methodist University from 1997-2013. Secondly to determine the role played by the
church in the financing, organization and management of the university and finally to
examine the contribution of Kenya Methodist University to the development of higher
education in Kenya.
In order to examine the contributions of the private universities to the development of
higher education in Kenya; the case of Kenya Methodist University (KeMU), the
researcher employed historical methods for data collection and data analysis. The study
was carried out specifically in Meru County where KeMU Main Campus is established
and of which has vital information concerning other campuses. The study begins with the
giving background information of the development of western education in Africa with
special reference in Kenya, then the evangelical and educational activities of Methodists
in Kenya. The development of public and private universities in Kenya with special
reference to Kenya Methodist University.
The study examined the missionary activities in African which began in the 19th century
as a result of evangelical revival in Europe in the 18th century. The revival led to the
formation of many missionary societies not only to spread the gospel to the „heathen‟
Africans but also to end slave trade and introduce legitimate trade among them. The
study further shows the first missionaries in the Kenyan coast then later the Methodists
having been inspired by their activities arrived at the coast. The study continued to show
how the Methodist missionaries carried their evangelical and education activities in the
Tana River Basin. Then after fifty years the Methodists entered the interior and settled at
Kaaga where they established many educational institutions including Primary,
secondary, tertiary institutions and later the university.
The study further examined how the development of higher education in East Africa
started with the establishment of Makerere Technical College in 1922, then establishment
of federal universities of East Africa and the rise of national universities and finally the
growth and development of public and private universities in Kenya.
Suggestion for further studies and recommendations has been made, that is the
government should acknowledge the role played by the private universities in provision
of higher education in Kenya as well as production of highly skilled manpower to serve
the nation.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Description
Thesis
Collections
- Faculty of Education (FEd) [5964]