Contribution of Church Missionary Society in Developing Western Education in Kaloleni District in Colonial Kenya (1890-1950): Historical Perspective

Abstract

This study examined the contribution of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) to the development of Western
education and Christianity in Kaloleni District, Kilifi County. The objectives of the study were to examine the rise and
development of Western education and Christianity among the Giriama; the contribution of African teachers and catechists
towards it; and challenges the Church Missionary Society faced in Kaloleni District. Modernization theory was used in explaining
how the introduction of Western education in Kaloleni District brought social advancement and conflict among the Giriama. This
paper was written using both primary and secondary sources. Semi-structured oral interviews were conducted to gather data on
activities of the CMS in Kaloleni District. The oral interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative method.
The study findings demonstrated that the spread of Western education and Christianity in Kaloleni District led to social
transformation of the Giriama from traditional to modern practices. The findings further revealed that African catechists played a
great role in the development of Western education and Christianity in Kaloleni District.