The creation of the department of social services has its roots in the early training and work of jeans school which was established in 1925.

The training gave prominence to community organisational work through activities such as initiation of community groupings, self help activities, handcraft, nutrition, and education.  However, it was not until 1950’s that the formal departmental programmes such as community development work came into being.  In 1954, the ministry of the community development was formed which incorporated major development activities such as community development, social welfare, children services, probation activities, women clubs and sports.

The period after independence witnessed a tremendous growth in the department of social services activities.  In 1963, the government issued a political manifesto which stated interalia that “We are confident that the dynamic spirit of hard work and self reliance which will motivate the government to inspire the people throughout the land to great and still greater effort for the betterment of their own community”.  The manifesto served to promote social services activities.  The Kenya advisory council on social affairs supplemented activities of the department of social services.

National Plan for Community Development

In February 1964, the New National Plan for community development was launched by Hon. Jomo Kenyatta, the Prime Minister of Kenya.  The plan was in line with the new social welfare policy which was accepted by the cabinet in 1964.  The new policy served to revolutionize social services work, giving new impetus to numerous activities.

The National Council of Social Services

On 29th June 1964 the Kenya National Council of Social Services was formed.  It took over the functions of Kenya Advisory council on social services.  Its principal object was in the promotion and coordination of social services in Kenya.  The council was structured into standing committees on:

• Youth
• Women
• Children
• Young persons
• Disabled
• Relief of distress among the aged
• Social training and education

The council under the department of social services support brought together voluntary and statutory agencies engaged in welfare services and facilitated the coordination and planning of their work.  It is notable that the early activities of the department played a crucial role in the creation of the modern department of social services.