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

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.