What was the official name of the British territory in East Africa from 1920 to 1963, and what were its common designations?

The official name of the British territory in East Africa from 1920 to 1963 was the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya. It was commonly referred to as British Kenya or British East Africa.

How was the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya formally established?

The Colony and Protectorate of Kenya was established on July 23, 1920, when the territories of the former East Africa Protectorate were annexed by the United Kingdom. A portion of the former Protectorate, specifically lands under the sovereignty of the Sultan of Zanzibar, was established as the Kenya Protectorate on November 29, 1920, though both were administered as a single unit.

What distinction was made between the 'Colony of Kenya' and the 'Protectorate of Kenya'?

Technically, the 'Colony of Kenya' referred to the interior lands that were annexed by the United Kingdom. The 'Protectorate of Kenya' comprised a 16-kilometer (9.9 mi) coastal strip that was nominally leased from the Sultan of Zanzibar. Despite this distinction, both were controlled as a single administrative unit.

Why is Kenya sometimes referred to as the 'Scottish Colony'?

Kenya is sometimes referred to as the 'Scottish Colony' because William Mackinnon, the founder of the Imperial British East Africa Company which governed Kenya, was a native of Scotland. This highlights the significant role Scottish individuals played in the region's early colonial administration.

When did the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya cease to exist, and what marked its end?

The Colony and Protectorate of Kenya officially ended on December 12, 1963. This marked the United Kingdom's cession of sovereignty over the Colony and the Sultan of Zanzibar's relinquishment of sovereignty over the Protectorate, leading to Kenya's independence.

What significant event occurred on May 26, 1963, related to Kenya's path to independence?

On May 26, 1963, Kenya held its first elections, which led to the formation of a native Kenyan majority government. A new flag, featuring red, green, black, and white, was also introduced during this period.

How did Kenya transition from a Commonwealth realm to a republic?

Kenya became an independent Commonwealth realm on December 12, 1963, with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. Exactly one year later, on December 12, 1964, Kenya transitioned into a republic, adopting the name 'Republic of Kenya'.

What were the primary concerns of native Kenyans regarding land in the 1920s?

In the 1920s, native Kenyans objected to the reservation of the White Highlands specifically for Europeans, particularly British war veterans. This policy created significant bitterness between the native population and the European settlers.

What observations did W.E.B. Du Bois make about Kenya in 1925 regarding land, labor, and race relations?

In 1925, W.E.B. Du Bois noted that England had taken over five million acres of prime land from the native population for European settlement. He observed that taxation forced many native adults to work for the European landowners at low wages, and that Indian immigrants also sought rights to land ownership and political participation, leading to a complex racial conflict involving white, brown, and black populations.

How did the British government decide to resolve the competing claims of Indians and Europeans in Kenya in the 1920s?

The British Government declared that East Africa was primarily a 'trusteeship' for the Africans, not for the Indians. Consequently, Indians were granted limited industrial and political rights, while the rights of the native Black population were ostensibly prioritized, though the decision was complex and influenced by concerns about maintaining the Empire's unity.

What was the estimated population of Kenya in 1921, and how was it composed?

In 1921, the population of Kenya was estimated at 2,376,000. This included approximately 9,651 Europeans, 22,822 Indians, and 10,102 Arabs.

What was the population of Mombasa in 1921?

In 1921, Mombasa, which was the largest city at the time, had a population of 32,000.

What was the Mau Mau rebellion, and when did it occur?

The Mau Mau rebellion was a revolt against British colonial rule in Kenya that took place from 1952 to 1960. The conflict was characterized by war crimes and massacres committed by both the rebels and the colonial forces.

What did Caroline Elkins's book 'Britain's Gulag' reveal about British actions during the Mau Mau rebellion?

Caroline Elkins's 2005 book, 'Britain's Gulag,' uncovered evidence that the British government operated concentration camps and 'enclosed villages' in Kenya during the 1950s. Within these facilities, thousands of Kikuyu people were subjected to torture, murder, starvation, and disease. Elkins also documented the systematic destruction of official records related to these atrocities.

How did the findings in Caroline Elkins's book contribute to legal actions against the British government?

The research presented in Caroline Elkins's book, 'Britain's Gulag,' served as a foundational basis for successful legal claims brought by former Mau Mau detainees against the British government for the crimes committed in the concentration camps during the 1950s.

Describe the administrative structure of the Kenyan government in 1948.

In 1948, the Kenyan government was structured around the Governor, an Executive Council that advised him, and the Legislative Council. The Executive Council included seven ex officio members, two appointed Europeans, one European representing African interests, and one appointed Asian member. The Legislative Council comprised 16 appointed officials and 22 elected unofficial members.

What significant change was introduced to the Kenyan government structure in 1954?

In 1954, the Kenyan government was reformed to establish a Council of Ministers, intended to be the 'principal instrument of government.' This council consisted of six official members from the civil service, two nominated members appointed by the governor, and six unofficial members (three Europeans, two Asians, and one African) also appointed by the governor from the Legislative Council.

What was the composition of the Legislative Council in Kenya in 1956?

In 1956, the Legislative Council in Kenya included the Governor as president and a Speaker as vice-president. There were 56 members in total: eight ex officio members, 18 appointed by the Governor (government whip), 14 elected Europeans, six elected Asians, one elected Arab, and eight appointed Africans and one appointed Arab sitting on the non-government side.

What types of military forces were formed in the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya?

Various military forces were formed in Kenya, including the East African Regiment (later the King's African Rifles), the East African Military Labour Service, the East African Mounted Rifles, the East African Ordnance Corps, the East African Pay Corps, the East African Pioneer Corps, East African Reconnaissance Regiments, the East African Artillery, the East African Road Construction Corps, the East African Scouts, the East African Signal Corps, the East African Army Service Corps, the East African Transport Corps, the Kenya Armoured Car Regiment, the Kenya Regiment (of white settlers), the Kenya Defence Force, and the Kikuyu Guard during the Mau Mau Uprising.

What was the primary legal punishment for many crimes in colonial Kenya, particularly for young offenders?

Judicial corporal punishment, such as flogging, caning, and birching, was the primary legal punishment for many crimes in colonial Kenya, especially for young offenders. Local authorities frequently employed these punishments, despite some unease from the metropolitan Colonial Office.

Why did judges in colonial Kenya often avoid using prisons as a form of punishment?

Judges in colonial Kenya often eschewed prisons as a form of punishment due to the belief that imprisonment would erode the morality of convicts, potentially leading them into a cycle of further criminality. They preferred corporal punishment as a deterrent.

Besides offenders, who else were subjected to corporal punishment by government authorities in colonial Kenya?

Government authorities in colonial Kenya also used corporal punishment against disobedient local ethnic chiefs. An example cited is the flogging of a Kikuyu chief by Colonel Algernon E. Capell after the chief had misled him.

What was the official flag of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya?

The flag of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya, used from 1921 to 1963, was an ensign featuring the Union Jack in the canton and the badge of Kenya in the fly. A new flag, composed of red, green, black, and white stripes with a shield and spears, was introduced upon independence in 1963.

What were the official anthems of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya?

The official anthems of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya were 'God Save the King' from 1920 to 1952, and 'God Save the Queen' from 1952 to 1963, reflecting the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom during those periods.

What was the capital city of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya?

The capital city of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya was Nairobi.

What languages were commonly spoken or official in the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya?

English was the official language in the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya. Swahili was also widely spoken, along with numerous indigenous languages such as Kikuyu, Kamba, Luhya, Luo, Gusii, Meru, and Nandi–Markweta.

What currency was used in Kenya during the colonial period?

During the colonial period, Kenya used the East African florin from 1920 to 1921, followed by the East African shilling from 1921 to 1960. After 1960, the currency would have transitioned with the establishment of the independent nation.

What entity preceded the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya?

The entity that preceded the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya was the East Africa Protectorate.

What entities succeeded the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya upon its end?

Upon the end of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya in 1963, it was succeeded by the independent Commonwealth realm of Kenya, which then became the Republic of Kenya in 1964. Additionally, a portion of the former territory is now part of Somalia.

What was the approximate area of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya?

The area of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya was approximately 639,200 square kilometers (246,800 square miles) as of 1924.

What were the population figures for Kenya in 1924, 1931, 1955, and 1960?

The population of Kenya was estimated at 2,807,000 in 1924, 3,040,940 in 1931, 6,979,931 in 1955, and 8,105,440 in 1960.

What was the role of the Legislative Council in the administration of Kenya Colony?

The Legislative Council was a key part of the administration in Kenya Colony. In 1948, it consisted of 16 appointed officials and 22 elected unofficial members. By 1956, its composition had grown to include the Governor as president, a Speaker, eight ex officio members, 18 appointed members, 14 elected Europeans, six elected Asians, one elected Arab, and eight appointed Africans, along with one appointed Arab on the non-government side.

What was the significance of the 'trusteeship' concept mentioned by W.E.B. Du Bois regarding Kenya?

The 'trusteeship' concept, as articulated by the British Government in the context of Kenya, signified that the territory was primarily intended as a responsibility or stewardship for the benefit of its native African population, rather than solely for the economic or political interests of settlers or immigrants like the Indians.

What historical event is listed under 'See also' in the provided text?

The historical event listed under 'See also' in the provided text is the Mau Mau rebellion, which occurred in 1952.

What does the image caption 'Cover of a Colony and Protectorate of Kenya passport, 1955' describe?

The image caption describes the cover of a passport issued by the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya in the year 1955, indicating the official documentation used during that period.

What does the image caption 'Map of British East Africa in 1909' depict?

The image caption indicates that the accompanying map shows the geographical boundaries and possibly the political divisions of British East Africa as it was configured in the year 1909, prior to the formal establishment of the Kenya Colony.

What were the two main anthems used during the existence of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya?

The two main anthems used were 'God Save the King' from 1920 to 1952, and 'God Save the Queen' from 1952 to 1963. These reflected the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom during those respective periods.

What was the status of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya within the British Empire?

The Colony and Protectorate of Kenya held the status of a British colony within the British Empire.

When did Kenya gain self-rule prior to full independence?

Kenya gained self-rule on June 1, 1963, which was a significant step towards its full independence later that year.

What was the significance of the Kenya Independence Act 1963?

The Kenya Independence Act 1963 established Kenya as an independent Commonwealth realm. This act formalized the transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom and marked the beginning of Kenya's status as a self-governing nation.

Who was the first prime minister of independent Kenya?

The first prime minister of independent Kenya was Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

What was the nature of the agreement regarding sovereignty when Kenya became independent?

When Kenya became independent on December 12, 1963, the United Kingdom formally ceded sovereignty over the Colony of Kenya through an agreement dated October 8, 1963. Simultaneously, the Sultan of Zanzibar agreed to cease his sovereignty over the Protectorate of Kenya.

What was the 'East African florin' and 'East African shilling' mentioned in the context of Kenya's currency?

The East African florin was the currency used in Kenya from 1920 to 1921, followed by the East African shilling, which was used from 1921 until 1960. These currencies were part of a monetary system shared by British territories in East Africa.

What historical entity did the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya succeed?

The Colony and Protectorate of Kenya succeeded the East Africa Protectorate.

What specific territories were established as the Kenya Protectorate on November 29, 1920?

On November 29, 1920, the Kenya Protectorate was established to include those territories of the former East Africa Protectorate that were not annexed by the United Kingdom. These were lands over which the Sultan of Zanzibar retained sovereignty.

What was the 'Kenya Colony' established as on July 23, 1920?

On July 23, 1920, the 'Kenya Colony' was established when the territories of the former East Africa Protectorate were annexed by the United Kingdom.

What role did the Imperial British East Africa Company play in the history of Kenya Colony?

The Imperial British East Africa Company, founded by William Mackinnon, was responsible for governing Kenya before it became a formal British Crown colony. Its administration laid groundwork for the subsequent colonial structure.

What does the reference to 'British East Africa' in 1909 signify in relation to Kenya Colony?

The reference to 'British East Africa' in 1909, accompanied by a map, indicates the geographical and political entity that existed before the formal establishment of the Kenya Colony in 1920. This entity was known as the East Africa Protectorate.

What was the nature of the agreement between the King of the United Kingdom and the Sultan of Zanzibar concerning Kenya in 1895?

A significant agreement was signed between the King of the United Kingdom and the Sultan of Zanzibar on December 14, 1895. This agreement facilitated the governance of the Protectorate of Kenya as part of the Colony of Kenya, establishing the framework for British administration over the coastal strip.

What was the 'Kenya African Union' mentioned in the context of Kenya's history?

The Kenya African Union (KAU) was a political organization mentioned in the context of Kenya's history, particularly in relation to the lead-up to independence and figures like Jomo Kenyatta. It was a significant nationalist movement advocating for African rights and self-governance.

What was the 'Kikuyu Guard' and during which conflict was it active?

The Kikuyu Guard was a paramilitary force active during the Mau Mau Uprising. It was formed to assist colonial authorities in suppressing the rebellion, drawing members primarily from the Kikuyu community who were loyal to the colonial government.

Kenya Colony Wiki: Kenya's Colonial Chapter: An Administrative Chronicle

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Overview

Establishment

The Colony and Protectorate of Kenya was formally established on 23 July 1920, succeeding the East Africa Protectorate. This administrative restructuring consolidated British control over the region, integrating the interior lands as a Crown colony while maintaining a nominal protectorate status over the coastal strip leased from the Sultan of Zanzibar. It encompassed approximately 639,200 km² (246,800 sq mi).

Demographics

In 1921, the population was estimated at 2,376,000, comprising roughly 9,651 Europeans, 22,822 Indians, and 10,102 Arabs, alongside a substantial indigenous African population. By 1960, the population had grown significantly to over 8 million.

Linguistic Landscape

English served as the official language, reflecting British colonial administration. However, Swahili was widely spoken, alongside numerous indigenous languages such as Kikuyu, Kamba, Luhya, Luo, Gusii, Meru, and Nandi–Markweta, highlighting the region's rich linguistic diversity.

Historical Context

Colonial Consolidation and Tensions

The formal establishment in 1920 marked a shift from protectorate status to direct Crown colony rule. This period saw increasing tensions, particularly concerning the reservation of the fertile White Highlands for European settlement, which disenfranchised the indigenous African population and fueled resentment.

W.E.B. Du Bois's Observations

In 1925, W.E.B. Du Bois vividly described the socio-political climate, noting the land alienation, forced labor through taxation, and the burgeoning racial conflict between European settlers, Indian immigrants, and the African majority. He highlighted the rise of African political consciousness and the complex interplay of imperial interests.

Here was a land largely untainted by the fevers of the tropics and here England proposed to send her sick and impoverished soldiers of the war. Following the lead of South Africa, she took over five million acres of the best lands from the 3,000,000 natives, herded them gradually toward the swamps and gave them, even there, no sure title; then by taxation she forced sixty percent of the black adults into working for the ten thousand white owners for the lowest wage. Here was opportunity not simply for the great landholder and slave-driver but also for the small trader, and twenty-four thousand Indians came. These Indians claimed the rights of free subjects of the empire—a right to buy land, a right to exploit labor, a right to a voice in the government now confined to the handful of whites. Suddenly a great race conflict swept East Africa—orient and occident, white, brown and black, landlord, trader and landless serf.

Mau Mau Rebellion and Independence

The period was marked by significant resistance, culminating in the Mau Mau Rebellion (1952–1960). This uprising against colonial rule involved widespread violence and atrocities committed by both sides. Investigations, such as Caroline Elkins's work, revealed the existence of concentration camps and systematic human rights abuses by the British administration. The Colony and Protectorate formally ended on 12 December 1963, when Kenya declared independence, transitioning to a republic the following year.

Governance Structure

Colonial Governance

The colony was headed by a Governor, advised by an Executive Council. The Legislative Council served as the primary legislative body. By 1948, the Executive Council included ex-officio members and appointed representatives from European, Asian, and African communities, reflecting a tiered system of representation.

Administrative Reforms

Significant reforms occurred in 1954, establishing a Council of Ministers as the main governmental instrument. This council comprised official members and unofficial members appointed by the Governor, aiming to increase local participation, though still under colonial oversight.

Military Presence

Various military units were established, including the King's African Rifles and the Kenya Regiment, composed largely of European settlers. These forces played roles in colonial defense and internal security operations, notably during the Mau Mau Uprising.

Legal Framework

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment, including flogging, caning, and birching, was a prevalent legal sanction in colonial Kenya. It was particularly applied to young offenders and, at times, to local chiefs deemed disobedient by colonial officials. This practice reflected a punitive approach often prioritizing control over rehabilitation.

Judicial Practices

Judges often eschewed imprisonment, viewing it as detrimental to convicts' morality and potentially leading to recidivism. The application of corporal punishment by authorities, such as Colonel Algernon E. Capell against a Kikuyu chief, exemplified the power dynamics and disciplinary methods employed during the colonial era.

External Resources

Official Sources

The British Empire — Kenya (opens in new tab)

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References

Kenya Protectorate Order in Council 1920 (SR&O 1920/2343), dated 13 August 1920, S.R.O. & S.I. Rev. VIII, 258, State Pp., Vol. 87, p. 968

Kenya (Annexation) Order in Council 1920 (SR&O 1920/2342), dated 11 June 1920

"Commonwealth and Colonial Law" by Kenneth Roberts-Wray, London, Stevens, 1966. p. 762

Brennan, James R. "Lowering the Sultan's Flag: Sovereignty and Decolonization in Coastal Kenya." Comparative Studies in Society and History 50, no. 4 (2008): 831â61.

Morgan, W. T. W. "The'white highlands' of Kenya." Geographical Journal (1963): 140â155. in JSTOR

Owino, Meshack. "The impact of Kenya African soldiers on the creation and evolution of the Pioneer Corps during the Second World War." Journal of Third World Studies 32, no. 1 (2015): 103-131.

T.F. Mills, regiments.org, archived copies via Wayback Machine.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Kenya Colony Wikipedia page

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Kenya's Colonial Chapter

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Establishment

Demographics

Linguistic Landscape

Historical Context

Colonial Consolidation and Tensions

W.E.B. Du Bois's Observations

Mau Mau Rebellion and Independence

Governance Structure

Colonial Governance

Administrative Reforms

Military Presence

Legal Framework

Corporal Punishment

Judicial Practices

Further Reading

Scholarly Works

External Resources

Official Sources

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Kenya's Colonial Chapter

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview 🌍

🏛️ Establishment

👥 Demographics

🗣️ Linguistic Landscape

Historical Context 📜

⚖️ Colonial Consolidation and Tensions

🗣️ W.E.B. Du Bois's Observations

✊ Mau Mau Rebellion and Independence

Governance Structure 🏛️

👑 Colonial Governance

🔄 Administrative Reforms

🛡️ Military Presence

Legal Framework ⚖️

⛓️ Corporal Punishment

⚖️ Judicial Practices

Related Topics 🔗

✊ Mau Mau Rebellion

🇬 History of Kenya

Further Reading 📖

📚 Scholarly Works

External Resources 🌐

🔗 Official Sources

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Establishment

Demographics

Linguistic Landscape

Historical Context

Colonial Consolidation and Tensions

W.E.B. Du Bois's Observations

Mau Mau Rebellion and Independence

Governance Structure

Colonial Governance

Administrative Reforms

Military Presence

Legal Framework

Corporal Punishment

Judicial Practices

Related Topics

Mau Mau Rebellion

History of Kenya

Further Reading

Scholarly Works

External Resources

Official Sources

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

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Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

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