These conferences grew out of the new University's desire to offer more direct assistance for the development of East Africa. The objects were:

(1) to provide a forum for political leaders from all the East African countries and from some others, in which they could discuss matters of major public policy in an objective and private atmosphere;

(2) to provide a series of opportunities for these leaders to meet and gain a deeper understanding of each other; and

(3) to help establish the fact that the University of East Africa is anxious and able to be of use in facing practical problems.