The contribution of World Gospel Mission to the growth and development of education in Kenya: A case of Bomet County, 1935 – 1985

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to establish the contribution of World Gospel Mission Schools to the growth and development of education in Bomet County from 1935- 1985. Available documentary sources show high concentration of schools were in Central and Western part of Kenya while Bomet the area of this study, was for many years sparsely settled with missionary bodies. The planning and location of Educational institution in Kenya has always been a very crucial issue worth serious investigation. The WGM just like other Christian mission in colonial Kenya contributed to the Educational Development of Africans through various intuitions such as Tenwek High School, Longisa High School and Kaboson secondary. This study traces the coming and settlement of WGM between 1935 - 1985 at Tenwek and subsequent establishment of other learning institution in the County. It set to achieve the following objectives: To trace the origin and determine the factors central to the development of Longisa, Tenwek and Kaboson schools; to establish the relationship among the educational institution founded by WGM and to establish the content and nature of instruction offered by WGM. The study employed development theory and modernization theory guiding framework that informed the articulation and interpretation of data analysis and discussion thereof. The study adopted historical research design which relied on both secondary and primary sources of information in History. Purposive and snowball sampling procedures were adopted and the target population were Sawe age group elders, WGM clergy, former teachers and students of Kaboson, Longisa and Tenwek. The findings revealed that WGM established their mission stations in Bomet because the region had not been inhabited by any other group of missionaries. It also adopted different approach to evangelization for example setting up medical mission to attract Africans who were reluctant to venture to the outstation. Validity and reliability was attained through the process of external and internal criticism of data analysis.