Establishment of Colonial Rule in Kenya

East Africa fell under two European colonial powers, namely Britain and Germany.
The activities of Carl Peters from Germany and Harry Johnston in East Africa led to the scramble for and partition of the region into British and Germany spheres of influence

Causes for the Scramble of East Africa

• The main cause of the British interest in East Africa was to control the source of River Nile for her security in Egypt. Causes for the scramble of East Africa.
• The rise of Germany and Italy in Europe which led to competition for colonies outside Europe.
• Many countries wanted to control the source of the Nile and Suez Canal which was a centre of interest in Europe.
• Demand for raw material for industries in Europe.
• Europeans believed they had superior culture hence wanted to spread it.
• Missionaries appealed for protection from their home governments.

Process of British occupation in Kenya

The process of partition of East Africa involved two powers, The Germans and the British.
The actual partition was done through signing of agreements as follows;

• Anglo-Germany agreement of 1886 where the two countries agreed that a line was to be drawn from the coast to Lake Victoria. The northern part of the line which today Kenya was to belong to the British and the southern was to belong to the Germans. Witu on river Tana was given to Germany, the coastline and the islands of Lamu, Pemba, Zanzibar and Mafia were controlled by the Sultanate if Zanzibar.
• Anglo-Germany agreement of 1890, also known as the Heligoland treaty that gave Britain full occupation of Uganda after she surrendered Heligoland island in the North Sea. Germany purchased the coast of Tanganyika from the Sultan of Zanzibar. The Sultan retained the 16 Kilometer coastal strip.

Reactions to British Invasion and Occupation of Kenya

Some Kenyan societies resisted the British such as Bukusu, Gusii and Somali, Agiryama.
Others collaborated with the British, such as the Maasai and Wanga.

Response of the Nandi to British Invasion and Occupation

Some Kenyan communities strongly resisted the initial occupation of their territory.
They used armed struggle to resist British rule.
Among the communities that resisted were the Nandi.

Koitalel arap Samoei

Causes of Nandi Resistance

• They regarded themselves superior due to their good military organization.
• Kimnyole’s prophesy had warned them against allowing foreigners in their territory.
• Koitalel Arap Samoei’s able leadership. He was also a symbol of unity among the Nandi.
• They were against the construction of the Uganda Railway across their territory.
• They disliked the Europeans due to their pale skin, clothes and associated them with devils.
• They wanted to preserve their cultural practices and religious beliefs.

Why the Nandi Resisted the British for so Long

• Their land is mountainous with valleys. The Nandi were conversant with the terrain.
• They practised mixed economy hence when the British confiscated their cattle, they could still depend on food crops.
• The age set system supplied them with reliable military force.
• Climatic conditions were very harsh for the British invaders.
• Poor transport and communication delayed quick movement of British forces.

Results of Nandi Resistance

• Loss of independence.
• Loss of lives.
• Destruction of property.
• The Nandi leader, Koitalel Arap Samoei, was killed in 1905.
• Land alienation.
• Creation of African reserves.

Response of the Maasai to British Invasion and Occupation

The Maasai collaborated with the British, led by their leader Lenana.
Collaboration means to cooperate with another person or a second party for various reasons.

Causes of Maasai Collaboration

• Succession dispute between Lenana and Sendeyo.
• Natural calamities such as drought and locust invasion.
• External attacks from the Nandi and Luo.
• Protect their independence.
• Wanted to protect their pasture land and water points.

The Process of Maasai Collaboration

Effects of Maasai Collaboration

• Lenana became a Paramount Chief of the Maasai in 1901.
• The Maasai were moved to reserves, namely Loita and Ngong.
• They lost their land to the British.
• The Maasai freedom was curtailed and were required to conduct their rituals within a specific area.
• There was total disruption of their economy.
• The animals and foodstuffs that were looted from the Nandi, Agikuyu and the Luo was given to the Maasai.
• The Maasai were used as mercenaries against resisting communities such as the Nandi and Agikuyu.
• The Maasai migratory grazing habits were also curtailed.
• The Maasai lost their independence and their land was declared British protectorate.

Response of the Akamba to British Invasion and Occupation

The Akamba offered mixed reactions to British invasion.
Mixed reaction refers to a situation where some people within a community collaborated while other resisted the colonialists.
Some of the communities that offered mixed reaction include the Akamba, Agikuyu and Luo.
The Akamba community felt threatened by British interference of their activities and responded by resisting.

Causes of Akamba Resistance

• Loss of independence after the establishment of the colonial rule.
• Cutting down of the shrine tree.
• Abuse of their culture.
• Forced labour.
• Military expeditions.

Course of the Akamba resistance

Collaboration of the Akamba

The Akamba collaborated because of the following reasons;

• They had been defeated many times by the British hence many collaborated.
• Mwatu wa Ngoma was stopped from attacking Masaku Fort by John Hensworhy, making him to collaborate.
• The famine of 1899 made Akamba people weak to effectively fight against the British.
• The ruthlessness with which the British attacked the Akamba scared many warriors.
• They wanted to get some benefits from the British, for example clothes, beads and cowry shells.

Ways in which the Akamba Collaborated

• Creating friendship with British administrators.
• Selling food to the British.
• Working for the British.
• Making of covenants with the British.
• They surrendered their land.
• Receiving gifts from the British such as clothes and guns.