The People of Kenya To understand Kenyan history, we need to understand the people of this country.

- Indeed, Kenya has over 42 ethnic groups in number.
- Each group has a diverse history, based on migration, evolution of the group, interaction with other groups over the years, culture, political, social and economic set-up.
- Kenyan ethnic groups are also grouped into major clusters:
(a) the Cushites
(b) the Nilotes and
(c) the Bantu
(a) The Cushites
The Cushites form a group that is broadly homogenous:-
- in language and
- in culture, and spread over a large part of Ethiopia, Somalia and in Kenya.
- In Kenya they are spread over a small part as compared to the two countries.
Examples of Cushites include:
- The Rift Cushite peoples – that is the Dorobo and Okiek.
- The North-East Cushites-that is the Somali, Boran and Galla among others.
Note:-
Cushites are the earliest groups to have settled in Kenya.
- The Rift Cushites are mainly hunters and gatherers (since the pre-colonial period).
- And the North-East Cushites are mainly herders or pastoralists (over the years).
(b) The Nilotes
The term Nilotic is linguistic and originates from the term Nile.
- they originated in the Nile Valley
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- A mixed group referred to as the Nile Valley peoples.
- Who stretched on both sides of the Nile from Sennar (in Sudan) to Lake Victoria.
- Their influence penetrated deeper into East Africa (Kenya included).
Examples of Nilotes in Kenya
In Kenya they are divided into three main groups:
(a) The Highland Nilotes
(b) Plain Nilotes and
(c) River-Lake Nilotes
(a) The Highland Nilotes are also referred to as the Kalenjin speakers - for example, the Nandi and the Kipsigis and Pokot (found in the Rift Valley).
(b) Plain Nilotes include the Maasai(in the Rift Valley), Iteso of Western Kenya and Turkana of Northern Kenya.
(c) River Lake Nilotes include the Luo (live around Lake Victoria). In the pre-colonial period Nilotes were mainly pastoralists.
- Today, most Nilotes have adopted farming including sectors of the Maasai.
- It is only Turkana who are mainly pastoralists in present Kenya.
- The Luo and Turkana also practice fishing (Luo in Lake Victoria and Turkana in Lake Turkana).
(d) The Bantu
Bantu is a linguistic term which carries no connotation as to:-
- Race or
- Culture
- It refers to people who speak Bantu languages.
- It was coined from Umuntu- plural, Abantu in reference to person and people in plural.
The Bantu Problem
One of the many difficult problems in early history of Africa leave alone Kenya is that of the origin and spread of the Bantu.
Why the problem?
Because
- the Bantu do not constitute genetically an ethnic group
- there is no homogeneity of physical type amongst them
- we have to study them broadly as a linguistic group
Examples of Bantu groups in Kenya include:-
- The Abaluhya of Western Kenya.
- The Kikuyu of Central Kenya.
- The Meru, Embu and Kamba of Eastern parts of Kenya.
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- The Abagusii and Kuria found in Nyanza province (geographically part of Western Kenya).
- The Mijikenda (meaning nine villages and consist of nine groups-for example, the Giriama, Digo and Ribe), Pokomo and Taita of Coastal province of Kenya among other groups.
Note:
- The Bantu groups form the largest group of Kenya’s population.
- Since the pre-colonial period, it is true that all Bantu groups are basically mixed farmers.
- They cultivate the land and keep animals as well. They also traded amongst themselves and with other Kenyan groups.
- It is also difficult to generalize the Bantu culture- indeed, the Bantu are a “hybrid community” with different culture and various dialects (for example, over 16 dialects are spoken among the Bantu of Western Kenya alone).
General Remarks on Kenyan groups
- They have interacted over the years by way of marriage, through trade, association, assimilation and absorption. Therefore, it is hard to speak of a “pure” ethnic group in Kenya.
- Interaction has also been through ethnic conflicts (at times escalating into fierce conflicts), mainly caused by fight over scarce resources, mainly land, grazing pasture and water points. Other times ethnic clashes have been fueled by politicians to gain political mileage.
- Of importance also to note- in the pre-colonial period (all Kenya groups except the Wanga ( a group of the Bantu of Western Kenya) were acephalous in nature(meaning they had governments, mainly represented by council of elders but they had no centralized governments in place). It is only the Wanga who had a centralized system with Nabongo (meaning King) as their leader.
- Besides, cattle played an important role in the lives of Kenyan groups.
Why?
- animals supplemented agriculture
- they were an investment (capital accumulation)
- a source of increased prestige and wealth
- a medium of exchange
- and animals were and are still used in social cultural aspects fro example-in dowry paying and in rituals/sacrifices.
Today
- There is more interaction among Kenya groups due to urbanization, though trade, politics, education and search for land and new settlement patterns in various parts of the country.
- But ethnicity is still maintained as form of identity and belonging.
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- Thus, all Kenyans belong to specific ethnic groups and they identify with them first and foremost.
The Swahili
Also of importance to Kenyan history are the Swahili speakers.
Note:-
- The term Swahili refer to a people as well as culture.
- To understand the origin of the Swahili - it has been common for historians to view them as representing a fusion of the Shirazi (that is Persian and Arabian) traders and immigrants with the Coastal Bantu (the Mijikenda and Pokomo).
- This fusion was thought to have occurred just prior to the ninth century along Kenya’s coastal region.
- In the process, a Swahili culture evolved - with it emerged Kiswahili as a language-which is now spoken in various parts of Kenya and Tanzania, Zanzibar as well as in other parts of the Eastern Africa region, and as far as the Democratic Republic of Kenya.
Note:-
- The Swahili have also associated with the Indian Ocean trade.
Kenya During the Colonial Period (1895-1963)
Kenya was colonized in 1895. It became part of the British empire. Kenya was maintained as a Protectorate ( a British sphere of influence), and in 1920 it officially became a British colony. Kenya attained independence in 1983.
Why Was Kenya Colonized by the British?
European encroachment on Kenya took two forms:
(a) Commercial penetration, which is an imperial motive and
(b) Political colonization.
As such, there is association between imperialism and colonization.
Britain established a colony in Kenya for:-
- raw materials(for example ivory),
- and for economic potential (temperate climate and fertile land in the Kenya highlands was an attraction for European settlement).
- Industrial revolution in Britain - search for raw materials and market for finished goods - partly explains why Kenya was colonized.
- The issue of prestige and competition for colonies with other European power (France, Germany and Portugal also explain why the British colonized Kenya).
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- Strategic considerations - linked to Britain’s interest to safeguard the Nile, enhance commerce and trade-also explains colonization of Kenya.
- That is acquire Mombasa, the interior of Kenya, link it with Lake Victoria
-the source of the Nile, hence control the Nile which is the lifeline of Egypt. Then control Egypt, with specific interest with the Suez Canal which was officially opened in 1869(built by the British, French and the Egyptians - but with Britain with an upper hand). Control of the Suez Canal would then mean control of trade in the Middle East as well as that, that passes in the Indian Ocean. Thus, Kenya was partly colonized because of strategic consideration.
Note:-
That is why some scholars have argued that, the colonization of Kenya was an
accident. That the British interest was in Egypt and hence the control of the Nile (Uganda for this matter)
Also;
To safeguard the interest of British explorers, missionaries, traders and fortune seekers.
- Whatever the case, Kenya was colonized in 1895.
- And economic motives essentially explains colonization of Kenya.
Main features of Colonialism in Kenya
Colonialism in Kenya was characterized by:-
(a) Land alienation – involved alienating African land for European settlers and for the colonial administration as well. For example, the Kikuyu, Masaai, and Nandi among others lost land. The Masaai suffered the most.
(b) The settler economy – with a powerful settler population – that wanted to be independent from Britain, but, this was met by British government resistance.
(c) The construction of the railway to link Kenya and Uganda (hence the Nile). Popularly known as the Uganda railway started in Mombasa in 1896, reached Nairobi in 1899, and Kisumu on Lake Victoria in 1901. Later on other railway lines were constructed for example the Uasin Gishu railway line – linking Nairobi and Kampala in Uganda(through Nakuru, Eldoret, Bungoma, Malaba and then to Kampala in Uganda; and Eldoret to Kitale, and Nairobi to Lake Magadi (where soda ash is mined up to date).
Note:
The railway was only constructed in Kenya’s arable areas – where there was economic potential. This made it possible for settlers to exploit Kenya’s resources and almost all in the form of raw materials (cotton, tea and coffee as examples, also timber) found their way to Britain.
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Note:
No railway line was built in the arid and semi-arid Northern and North Eastern part of Kenya. But animals were obtained from pastoralists for export (in form of slaughter meat, ghee and hides to Britain, as well as from other parts of the country.
(d) Taxation – in the form of hut and poll tax. Taxation was the main source of revenue. All African male over 18 years paid a hut tax and over 16 years a poll tax. Taxation made it easier for British administrators to run the colony for example, Africans were oppressed and exploited in the process.
(e) Acquisition of Labor
- Settlers needed labour
- Administrators also needed African labour for public works(e.g. road construction and for buildings)
- Various types of labour were enforced: forced labour, and wage labour (poorly paid) – in essence forced labour (next to slavery) was the backbone of the colonial economy and colonial administration (e.g. used in First and Second World War).
(f) Colonization was characterized by continuous conquest of African groups.
- That was through punitive expeditions sent against Africans who opposed colonialism or colonial exploitation.
Note:
The British government introduced a centralized system of government in Kenya. The same government was inherited at independence with all its evil (e.g. corruption, ruthlessness, since).
(g) Social Amenities:
For example, education and health facilities – at first were not meant for Africans but for settlers.
- It was an after thought to incorporate Africans as beneficiaries of the same.
(h) The colonial economy was a dual economy (based on enclave development).
- One for Africans (base on traditional farming methods)
- One for settlers Supported by the colonial state
Note:
The colonial economy contributed to underdevelopment of the African economy. It also created Kenya’s dependency to Britain and later own to the international Community.
(i) The Indian question is part of colonial features in Kenya.
- Indians were first brought in (to built the railway as free labour).
- Eventually, given option to go back to India or remain in Kenya.
- Today the Indian population controls a great majority of the Kenyan commercial empire.
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- They invest most of the money outside the country – with the support of Kenyan politicians – They have contributed to corruption problems in the country. There is always tension between Kenyan Indians and the rest of the population.
(k) Monetary Economy
- Is a reflection of colonialism in Kenya.
- The British introduced money economy in Kenya. Traditionally barter trade was the norm.
Note
Hence, through monetary economy Kenya was linked to the capitalist economy
(i) Wage labour – is also a feature of colonialism.
- Today a considerable number of Kenya’s are employed in wage labour sector.
- Particularly the blue and white color jobs.
Note
Other features of Kenya’s colonial period can be captured through further reading.
African Response to penetration of Colonialism and Fight for independence
Mainly characterized by collaboration and resistance
- Some groups resulted to armed resistance from example the Giriama at the Coast, Kikuyu of Central Kenya, Nandi in the Rift Valley, and some Abaluhya groups (for example the Babukusu) in Western Kenya. The Abagusii also resisted the penetration of colonialism.
- The Maasai and the Kamba collaborated. Why? They had been weakened by droughts, famine and disease at the time of colonial penetration. Thus, they passively resisted colonialism.
We also need to understand the paradox of collaboration and resistance.
- Some groups resisted they were subdued and ended up collaborating with the colonizers.
- Others started by resisting, then collaborated and went to full scale resistance – the best example is the Kikuyu who in the 1950s waged liberation war against the British – the Mau Mau rebellion in the 1950s that contributed to Kenya’s independence in 1963.
- Mau Mau rebellion holds a central position in Kenya’s history.
- Mau Mau has been viewed as a war of independence by nationalists in Kenya.
- It shock the foundation of the colonial structure in Kenya.
- It was mainly concentrated in Central Kenya – led by Kenya’s populous group the Kikuyu.
However, to the British, this was a “tribal Warfare.” But to Kenyans it was a war of independence.
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Besides Mau Mau
- the Constitutional movement – Constitution talks of the 1950s mainly in 1957, 1959 and the 1960s (1960-1963), also contributed to Kenya’s Independence.
- The talks were between Kenyan nationalists, amongst them Jomo Kenyatta, Tom Mboya, Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, Ronald Ngala, Masinde Muliro, Martin Shikuku, Oginga Odinga, Jeane Seronney among othes with British officials – that eventually culminated into Kenya’s independence in 1963.
Note
Nonetheless, the Mau Mau sent shock waves to British settlers as well as administrators in Kenya and undermined the very foundation of colonialism in Kenya.
The Post-Independence Kenya (1963 to the Present)
At independence, the Kenya government virtually inherited the colonial structure.
- That is politically, economically and socially.
- Indeed it has been almost impossible to dismantle the colonial state
- It is not surprising that Kenya has experienced neo-colonialism since 1963. Kenya is still tied, particularly economically, to British and the Western World in general.
(a) Politically
- Kenya still maintains a centralized system of government inherited at independence.
- This contributed to the emergence and evolution of “personalized rule” (during the Kenyatta and Moi regimes) powerful President with executive powers (and above the law).
- The same powers were inherited by the current president (as vested in Kenya’s Constitution of 1963). The only different is the current president – is operating in the multi-party era; and in a coalition government.
Note:
- Jomo Kenyatta was Kenya’s first president and was in power from 1963 – 1978; (died in August 1978) – he was a Kikuyu from Central Kenya.
- Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi was Kenya’s Second president ruled from 1978 – 2002. He is Kenya’s first retired president. He was removed from power through popular vote.
- Currently, there is Mwai Kibaki – came to power through popular vote – aimed at removing Moi and KANU (Kenya African National Party from power). Moi just as Kenyatta was accused of heavy handedness and corruption tendencies while in power. Kenyatta was also a KANU President.
- Kenya was under a single party from 1964 – when KADU (Kenya African Democratic Union) an opposition party was disbanded.
- Multi-party politics re-emerged and endorsed in the Kenyan Constitution in 1992.
- Kenya is now a multi-party state with NARC (National Alliance Rainbow Coalition) in power (2003 – 2007). NARC was made up of about 14 political
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parties. It is a coalition form of government with its own internal problems, but, it is the hope of Kenyans that it does not break the current government.
- 2008 – 2012 – Coalition government headed by Kibaki – serving a second and last term.
- The coalition government (2008 – 2012) is under three main parties Party of National Unity (PNU); Orange Democratic Movement (ODM); and Orange Democratic Movement Kenya (ODM-Kenya).
- President Kibaki is from PNU
- Prime Minister Raila Odinga from ODM
- Vice President Musyoka Kalonzo from ODM - Kenya.
(b) Economically
- Kenya is a developing country with a developing economy
- Today, Kenya’s economy is capitalist oriented and tied to the global world. It is affected by World Bank and IMF (International Monetary Fund) like other developing countries. For instance, in the 1980s, it was affected by Structural Adjustment (SAPs) and Liberalization of the world markets. Today it is also affected by globalization as other parts of the world; and the global crisis.
- Given the fact that it has a weak economy, it heavily felt the impact of SAPs as well as globalization.
Generally
- Kenya is an agricultural country. It relies on a mixed economy (farming, animal keeping, fishing and trade).
- Main exports include, tea, coffee, pyrethrum for the manufacture of insecticides.
- It also relies on foreign aid and internal resources to sustain the economy.
- It has a weak manufacturing sector. For example vehicles come in form outside, with few assembling plants (or factories in the country).
Note
The Coalition governments (2003 – the present) mainly emphasizes economic recovery and fight against poverty.
(C) Socially
- Main sectors are education and health sectors.
- The government promotes free primary education, for all primary school going children. But this is yet to be achieved.
- Health care is a major problem. Majority of the Kenyan population have no access to health care. Both public and private sectors, including religious operated health facilities are encouraged. Besides, the use of traditional medicine also play a role in health care.
- Religion – freedom of worship ensure that it is enshrined in the current Constitution. Kenya has Muslims, Christians (majority) and traditionalists.
- Poverty is rampant, and it is one of the challenges facing the Kenyan government. Related to poverty is the fight against ignorance and disease; as well as state insecurity (fight against crime, cattle raids and militia groups).
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Important Remarks about Kenya
- It is the cradle of mankind, based on archaeological evidence – for example excavations at Koobi Fora (an important excavation site in the world) in Northern Kenya (on shores of Lake Turkana).
- Kenya is among the most important countries in Africa and to the international Community. For instance it is the headquarters of UNEP (United Nations Environmental Program) at Gigiri in Nairobi.
- Kenya is also known as a tourist destination with a rich resource of wild animals – important National Parks. The Tsavo and Nairobi National Parks. The Giraffe Centre, Ostrich Centre in Nairobi.
- National Museums found in all parts of the country, house Kenya’s past history including Fort Jesus in Mombasa. Museums are found in virtually all towns in Kenya. The Nairobi National Museum also houses the archeological artifacts excavated in various parts of the country. It also has a snake park.
- Kenya is also known for its long distance runners in the world. Sports and athletics in particular is very important.
- Generally, Kenya has a pleasant climate and has a very hospitable (friendly) population.
Last but not least
The country is undergoing Constitution making. Kenyans are looking forward to see a new Constitution in place to accommodate the country’s needs.