A Place of Hope: Wamumu Rehabilitation Camp (“Eton of Africa”)

Abstract

This chapter discusses the colonial rehabilitation programs that were undertaken by the colonial government in order to reform the youth who were caught up in the Mau Mau War. It examines the role of Wamumu in this regard, and the political propaganda and controversies that surrounded its work. The chapter illustrates that the increasing involvement of Joseph Gikubu in Kenyan youth education can be traced to Wamumu. It demonstrates how the rehabilitation programs that were undertaken during this period reflect a lack of coherent colonial programs relating to youth education. It emphasizes that an in-depth examination of Gikubu’s educational engagements and activities at Wamumu and Othaya Approved School shows how the two camps sharpened and enhanced his skills in youth education. The two institutions gave him the opportunity to lead students and to create and nurture new academic and cocurricular programs. It was at these two institutions that he was able to enhance his passion for and acumen in youth education.