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.