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Late 1940s Kaloleni, Kilifi County. A time when the white man was passing the responsibility of running schools to educated Africans. Pictured here is Japhet B. Mumba, Principal - Kaloleni School, together with his family. His deputy at the time was Ronald Ngala. Short thread...
Educated at Alliance High School and Makerere, Japhet B. Mumba was deemed ready for the Principal role. The English-style house in the background was handed to him for occupancy. The previous occupant was a CMS Missionary, Miss E. Bodger.
Miss E. Bodgers was somewhat a legend in Kaloleni & the larger Kilifi. She founded the Kaloleni Vocational Training Center in 1927, where tailoring, carpentry, masonry & agriculture was taught. Popularly known as 'Bibi Bodger' by locals, she spoke fluent Giriama.
Fondly remembered for teaching tailoring & needlework in Giriama, Miss E. Bodger was fond of a phrase while teaching the backstitch style..."Dunga tunduni uomboze chimbere".
Students at Kaloleni Vocational Center came from as far as Taita, Nairobi & Nakuru. Those who excelled then proceeded to Kabete Technical College. Just as those who came to Kaloleni learnt Giriama, so did those who graduated to Kabete return speaking Kikuyu (e.g my grandma).
Back to the English-style house pictured. It was later occupied by Dawson Mwanyumba, Wundanyi MP & Minister-Works, Communications & Power in the 1963 Kenyatta cabinet. The stadium in Wundanyi is named after Dawson Mwanyumba.
Mumba & Ngala are remembered for their time in Kaloleni School as a formidable pair that proved that Africans 'were ready' for greater teaching/administrative responsibilities. For their efficient management of school funds, Ngala was promoted to a Principal role in Mbale School.
