Strathmore University Repository, Strathmore College was started in 1961 as an Advanced-level Sixth Form College offering Science and Arts subjects by a group of professionals, who formed a charitable Educational Trust (now the Strathmore Educational Trust). Strathmore College was the first in Pre-independence Kenya to accommodate all races, religions and social standing. Saint Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei, inspired and encouraged them to start the College.
In March 1966, the first intake of Accountancy students, twenty-five in number, joined the Sixth Form students and began preparing for the examinations of the UK-based Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). These first Accountancy students were sponsored by Shell East Africa, BAT (East Africa) and the East African Breweries. At this time Strathmore College was unique as a fully integrated post-Form 4 institution offering both academic and professional courses.
The Early Years of Strathmore University
Davis Mulumba, (1961), hard at work in one of the Strathmore College classrooms.
Chris Kirubi, a well known Kenyan entrepreneur, is a graduate of Strathmore College, in the 1960s.
The first members of staff of Strathmore College, from left: David Sperling, Jeremy White, Kevin O’Byrne, Colm Stanley, Michael Bennett and David Hogg.
The students of the School of Accountancy at Strathmore College in 1967.
Hakeem Folami (middle), the First Nigerian Accountancy student at Strathmore College.
Mr. J. Hurley, a qualified Accountant from England, checks the work of Accountancy students, all of whom are African.
Prof. David Sperling, Strathmore College’s founding principal.
Taita Towett, Minister of Education, 1969-1979, gives a speech at the launch of the School of Accountancy in 1970.
A group of Accountancy students at the Strathmore College campus in Lavington.