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)