Bernard Nzioka

Education Among the Akamba People 1895-1970: an Investigation of the Educational Policies of the Africa Inland Mission and the Development of Education in the Akamba Community Bernard Nzioka

This book looks at the Africa Inland Mission (AIM),a faith based evangelical mission organization in the development of education in Ukamba region of south-eastern part of Kenya from 1895-1970. Africa Inland Mission pioneered the introduction of Western form of education to the Akamba community amidst many challenges. AIM's founder, Peter Cameroon Scott introduced education in Nzaui Mission station in 1896 before his death. Scott's vision was to spread the gospel of Christ Jesus by establishing a chain of mission stations from the east coast of Africa to the west. He died a year later in 1896, after opening mission stations at Sakai, Kilungu and Kangundo. After his death, God raised Charles E. Hurlburt, as his successor who gave the organization a new structure and made Scott's vision a reality in Africa. Hurlburt supported and encouraged the use of education as a strategy for evangelism in AIM from 1906 till his resignation in 1925. The Akamba people resisted this modern education in favor of their traditional methods of training; but after 1920s they changed their attitude and demanded AIM must improve their educational curriculum in Ukamba region.