The contribution of the Catholic Church to development of secondary school education in Keiyo, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya, From 1960 - 1980

Abstract

Thepurpose of the Study was to establish the role played by the Roman Catholic Mission (ReM) in the development of secondary schools in Keiyo, Elgeyo - Marakwet County between 1960 - 1980. The main institutions of interest were St. Patrick's High School, Iten,Sing'ore High School, Kitany Boys and Mokwo Girls. The study traced the coming and settlement of Roman Catholic Missionaries in Keiyo, the role they played in the developmentof Secondary Education, the nature of challenges they faced and the impact of Secondary education to the local community and to the country at large. The study maintainsthat traditional education became inadequate means of preparing an individual for relevant roles and adjustment to the colonial conditions of the time. Western Education which was introduced by Christian missionaries and propagated through the school institution proved to be the most appropriate means of orienting and preparing individuals and local communities for useful and relevant roles in the emerging society where European economic, social and political systems and values began to replace traditional systems and values. The research is historical and has employed the historical method. Main sources of data collection were primary and secondary. Research instruments used were interview schedule directed to members of local community, Catholic Missionary groups, heads of schools and former students and Education Secretary. The study found out that the first secondary school was established in 1960, however once introduced it had enormous impact in the transformation of the community at the local and national levels. The community took advantage of the Catholic religious and educational activities which enabled them to transform the community. The studythus recommends for the recognition of the role played by the Roman Catholic Mission in development of education in Kenya and strengthening the partnership of the Catholic Church and the Ministry of Education in coming up with measures to improve access to quality secondary education in Keiyo.