Kenya's Conquest

Although the first European men to venture into Kenya were two German missionaries, the Europeans did not make permanent settlements until later (B). During the Scramble for Africa in the 1880s, the British took control over most of Kenya. The coast, an important resource, had been previously controlled by a sultan, but the British East Africa Company gained control of it. (B). As for the interior, it was divided between Britain and Germany (B). The first objectives of the new settlers were to set up their absolute authority, as well as usher in their new administrative system (B). They expected the greatest conflict from the Maasai tribe, the largest at the time, but they were compliant (B). They even helped the British grasp the more obstinate Kikuyu tribe (B). Some speculate that the Maasai were subservient due to a devastating outbreak of disease in the late 1800s (B). In the case of some of the tribes, such as the Nandi, military occupation was required to achieve command (B).

Kenya's Colonial Experience Under British Control

British control in Kenya affected the country in both positive and negative ways, short term and long term. One of the first conflicts between the natives and the colonists occurred during the initial attempt by the Europeans to implement their new government. For a while, they let the local leaders deal with affairs, but they eventually brought it their own administration (B).As mentioned earlier regarding Kenya's conquest, certain tribes were more resistant to change than others. In the case of some, such as the Nandi, the British military intervened (B). When European farmers began to settle the land that once belonged to the African subsistence farmers, an issue regarding the labor force arose. As more Europeans came in, more natives had to give up their property (B). However, these new European farmers found that they were in need of more laborers. Some of the farmers suggested that a system offering "incentives", probably coercion, be created in order for them to easily attain workers (B). The action taken by the British authority differed per leader, but any coercion was outlawed after World War I, partially due to "public outcry" in Britain (B).  To keep a steady labor force, the colonial government created a new administrative tax, and the natives had to work in order to pay for this tax (D). World War I brought changes within the country as well. For instance, the East Africa Railway was shared by the British and the Germans, and the hostility between the two countries at war brought concern for the safety of the railway (B). As a result, frequent squabbles broke out between the Germans and British controlling the railway. Africans were also dragged into the war disputes, and made into soldiers (B). Many Africans lost their lives due to disease and fighting. When the troops needed more food, production had to grow immensely. This rapid increase forced the famers to mass produce, and constantly reuse soil, which diminished its natural nutrients. (B) The demand for agriculture also contributed to the growth of the economy, but the worldwide recession of the early 1900s paused this growth. (B) Following World War II, education became more important for adults (D), and for the first time, young girls were able to attend school. Missionaries gave many Africans a Western education, and unfortunately, the interests of those who were not Western educated were not a priority. (B) The British influence has carried into modern times as well. All classes at Kenyan universities are taught in English, and English is one of the primary communicative languages. (A) The British also made a significant impact in the religious beliefs of the country. Today, about 66% of the population is Christian. (A) The East African railway allowed for the transport of important cash crops that are still important to the Kenyan economy today, such as coffee. (B) More revenue, as well as British influence contributed to a more modernized Kenya. During this time, people also moved into cities to find work, which strengthened the power of the cities. (D) Britain’s political influence is clear from the fact that Kenya has a prime minister. (B)

Kenya's Struggle for Independence

Although Kenya had its fair share of drama in its fight for independence, it was not attained by an uncivil bloodbath. Although from the time of its conquest, many in the country wanted more representation in government, the real fight began after World War II. The first well-known political advocacy group was the Young Kikuyu Association (B). Harry Thuku was its first president. The followers were mostly young males, and the elders were not supportive. Their goal was to earn more representation of African interests in the government. They wanted to stop low wages, the disallowance of coffee growing, and the rejection of local traditions by Christian missionaries. (B) This association did not win much support among others in Kenya either, because the Kikuyu were not accepted as leaders by other ethnic groups. In 1944, the first African was brought onto the Legislative council. (B) Around this time, the Kenya African Union came into being, led by Jomo Kenyatta. The group advocated for the transition of the government into an African majority without violence. (B) However, an opposing group, known as the Mau Mau, disrupted these peaceful plans. This group felt that the KCA was not producing effective or quick results. They used violence, and as a result, the European colonial government declared a state of emergency lasting from 1952 to 1960. (B) In the end, military force stopped the rebellion. Jomo Kenyatta, who publicly denounced the Mau Mau's activities, was arrested anyway because he was suspected of leading the group. The Mau Mau sparked heightened nationalism among the Africans, and they desired even more for a majority in the government. One of the first steps toward an African majority came in 1960 with the Macleod Constitution. (B) The Kenya African National Union (KANU) formed in 1960 with Kenyatta as their leader, even though he was still in prison. (B) They wanted a centralized government.  In opposition, the Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU) wanted a decentralized government, and they feared a Kikuyu majority.(B) Fortunately, after Jomo Kenyatta was released from prison in 1962, the parties united. He became the first president in 1963. A constitutional conference took place in London in 1962, resulting in an outlined government controlled by both political parties (A). However, KADU slowly fell away, leaving the KANU in full power. Complete independence was announced on December 12, 1963 (B). In the end, Britain, the country that held Kenya in its power was the country that aided its independence.

Maasai Jumping Dance

I found this video on YouTube recently that showcases one of the cultural dances in the Maasai tribe of Kenya: the jumping dance. The Maasai, during the time of Kenya's colonization, were one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya. The British expected much resistence from them, but found complacency from the tribe. Enjoy!

Mau what?

Here is an interesting video from YouTube about the so called "Mau Mau" independence movement at its height in the 1950s. Known for their violence, the the Mau Mau caused the governor of Kenya to declare a state of emergency from 1952-1960. This video displays the European view of this advocacy group, noteably by the propoganda-like footage narrated by an English speaker, as well as explores the contreversy surrounding the term Mau Mau, and its meaning.