ABSTRACT
The National Literacy Survey undertaken in 1976 indicated that approximately 46 percent of the age group over 15 is literate. In Kikuyu areas, political and religious conflicts precipitated the formation of new community self-help organizations related to education and catapulted them to the center of national political life. In the historical confrontation between the Kikuyus and the Colonial Government/settlers are some of the seeds of effective Kikuyu mobilization for self-help. In spite of the different perspectives, the Kikuyus were united by over-riding concerns about the land and increasing dedication to nationalism and independence. In the post-Independence era, the organizational skills of the Kikuyu have manifested themselves not only in politics but also in their efforts to develop their own communities through Harambee. The Government has shifted the primary responsibility for planning and implementing rural development from the headquarters of ministries to the districts.
