The History of Rural Service Programme in Kenya, 1903 - 1978

Abstract

This paper investigates the historical development
of the Rural Service Programme (RSP) in Kenya,
from 1903 to 1978. Originally referred to as the
vocational programme, the RSP was founded in
1903 by the Friends African Mission (FAM) in
Kenya and ceased operations in 1978. The aim of
this paper was to analyse the available written
records on the dynamic history of RSP. The
collected data was qualitatively evaluated for
accuracy and detail, resulting in a descriptive
overview of the findings. The analysis reveals a gap
in knowledge on RSP’s economic policy. Research
findings revealed that FAM's vocational
programme focused on generating income not only
to sustain the mission but also to provide profits for
the American Friends Board of Foreign Mission
(AFBFM). The economic welfare of African
converts was not given priority in the initial
vocational programme, leading to conflict between
African converts and FAM missionaries. To
address this conflict, the vocational programme
was rebranded as RSP and shifted its focus to
meeting the economic needs of African converts.
However, following Kenya's independence, the
management of RSP was handed over to African
East African Yearly Meeting (EAYM) leaders.
Under African leadership, RSP encountered
protracted conflict that eventually resulted in its
collapse in 1978.