The Birth of University education in Kenya
Mervyn De Souza who passed away recently in the UK graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the Royal Technical College, Nairobi. I have been scratching around for information but with little luck. However, a very special friend is attempting one. The above picture is intended for his story.
IF YOU REMEMBER ANYONE FROM THE FOTO PLEASE LET ME KNOW!
The University of Nairobi owes its origin to several developments in higher education within the country and the region. The idea of an institution for higher learning in Kenya goes back to 1947 when the Kenya Government drew up a plan for the establishment of a technical and commercial institute in Nairobi.
By 1949, this plan
had grown into an East African concept aimed at providing higher technical
education for the region.
In September 1951, a
Royal Charter was issued to the Royal Technical College of East Africa and the
foundation stone of the college was laid in April 1952.
During the same
period, the Asian Community of East Africa was also planning to build a College
for Arts, Science and Commerce as a living memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. To avoid
duplication of efforts, the Gandhi Memorial Academy Society agreed to merge
interests with those of the East African Governments. Thus, the Gandhi Memorial
Academy was incorporated into the Royal Technical College of East Africa in
April 1954, and the college proceeded to open its doors to the first intake of
students in April 1956.
Soon after the
arrival of students at the college, the pattern of higher education in East
Africa came under scrutiny. Through the recommendation of a working party
formed in 1958, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, Sir
John Lockwood, the Royal Technical College of East Africa was transformed. On
June 25, 1961, the College became the second University College in East Africa,
under the name Royal College Nairobi.
The Royal College
Nairobi was renamed University College, Nairobi on May 20, 1964. On the
attainment of "University College" status, the institution prepared
students for bachelor's degrees awarded by the University of London, while also
continuing to offer college diploma programs. The University College Nairobi
provided educational opportunities in this capacity until 1966 when it began
preparing students exclusively for degrees of the University of East Africa,
with the exception of the Department of Domestic Science.
With effect from
July 1, 1970, the University of East Africa was dissolved and the three East
African countries set up their national Universities. This development saw the
birth of the University of Nairobi set up by an Act of Parliament.
Since 1970, the
University of Nairobi has seen many innovations, which have contributed to its
development and that of the nation. It has grown from a faculty-based
university serving a student population of 2,768 to a college-focused
university serving over 84,000, currently.
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