HC Deb 01 August 1947 vol 441 c99W
Mr. Skinnard

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many non-Government schools in Kenya receive grants-in-aid from the Government; how many of these are African-controlled; and what are the difficulties which frequently prevent Government grants being given to independent African schools.

Mr. Creech Jones

One hundred and twenty-nine non-Government schools are aided from Central Government funds and 568 are aided from the funds of local Native Councils. Fourteen aided schools are wholly African controlled and 554 aided schools come under the jurisdiction of district education boards which have both European and African members. Apart from lack of funds, the main difficulties which at present prevent Government grants being given to independent African schools are their inability to conform to Government regulations and standards and to simple accounting instructions. It is, however, the policy of the Kenya Government to encourage Africans to manage their own schools.