The Struggle for Independence in Kenya Notes - Grade 11 History and Citizenship | YNetStudyHub
History and Citizenship Tutorial

The Struggle for Independence in Kenya

Grade 11 CBC History and Citizenship notes on Kenya's independence struggle: causes of nationalism, early movements, the Mau Mau, constitutional talks and Uhuru in 1963.

Lesson 3 of 3
10 min read Mathew Wahome

The Struggle for Independence in Kenya

Background

By the 1920s British colonial rule had taken over African land, introduced taxes, forced labour and the kipande (identity pass) system, and denied Africans political rights. Under the KICD History and Citizenship learning area you study how Kenyans organised to regain their freedom and what it means to be a responsible citizen today.

Causes of African nationalism

  • Alienation of land, especially in the "White Highlands"
  • Hut and poll taxes; low wages
  • Racial discrimination in services and jobs
  • Forced labour and the kipande
  • Impact of World War II: ex-soldiers saw that Europeans were not superior
  • Influence of independence in India and Ghana (1957)
  • Mission education which produced an educated elite

Early resistance and associations

  • Young Kikuyu Association (1921), East African Association (Harry Thuku, 1921): protested taxes and kipande.
  • Kikuyu Central Association (1924): led by Joseph Kangethe and later Kenyatta; demanded land return.
  • Young Kavirondo Association (1921): in western Kenya, led by Archdeacon Owen.
  • Ukamba Members Association and Taita Hills Association: local grievances.
  • Kenya African Study Union (1944), renamed Kenya African Union (KAU, 1946): first national African party; Kenyatta became president in 1947.

The Mau Mau

After KAU's peaceful petitions failed, militant groups formed in the forests of Mt Kenya and the Aberdares. Leaders included Dedan Kimathi and Stanley Mathenge. The colonial government declared a State of Emergency in October 1952 and arrested Kenyatta and other leaders ("Kapenguria Six") in 1953. Thousands were detained in camps. The Mau Mau showed that Africans would fight for land and freedom.

Constitutional path to independence

  1. Lyttelton Constitution (1954): multi-racial council of ministers.
  2. Lennox-Boyd Constitution (1957): first direct elections for Africans.
  3. First Lancaster House Conference (1960): agreed on African majority.
  4. KANU and KADU formed (1960): KANU wanted a strong central government; KADU wanted regional government (majimbo).
  5. Second Lancaster House Conference (1962): agreed on a coalition and a regional constitution.
  6. Elections of May 1963: KANU won; Kenyatta became Prime Minister (Madaraka Day, 1 June 1963).
  7. Uhuru: 12 December 1963. Republic: 12 December 1964.

Role of key leaders

Kenyatta, Tom Mboya (trade unions and airlift of students), Oginga Odinga, Pio Gama Pinto, Ronald Ngala, Eliud Mathu, Argwings Kodhek, and women such as Mekatilili wa Menza, Field Marshal Muthoni and Wambui Otieno.

Worked example 1

Question: Why were trade unions important? Answer: Unions like the Kenya Federation of Labour under Mboya demanded better pay, trained leaders and used strikes to press for political rights.

Worked example 2

Question: Why did KANU and KADU disagree? Answer: KANU favoured a unitary state to promote unity; KADU, representing smaller communities, feared domination and wanted regional governments.

Citizenship link

Independence brought national symbols (flag, anthem), and responsibilities such as paying taxes, voting and protecting national unity and heritage.

Try it

  • List four factors that led to the rise of nationalism in Kenya.
  • Outline the steps from 1954 to 1963 in the constitutional path.
  • Explain why Mau Mau fighters are honoured on Mashujaa Day.
  • Name two roles of women in the struggle.
Quick Knowledge Check
Q1. Which early political association was formed by Harry Thuku in 1921?
A Kenya African Union
B Young Kikuyu Association
C East African Association
D Kenya African National Union
Reveal Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: Option C (East African Association)
Harry Thuku formed the East African Association in 1921; he was arrested in 1922.
Q2. The State of Emergency was declared in Kenya in?
A 1944
B 1952
C 1960
D 1963
Reveal Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: Option B (1952)
Governor Evelyn Baring declared the Emergency on 20 October 1952.
Q3. Who was the first African nominated to the Legislative Council in 1944?
A Jomo Kenyatta
B Eliud Mathu
C Tom Mboya
D Oginga Odinga
Reveal Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: Option B (Eliud Mathu)
Eliud Mathu was nominated to LegCo in 1944.
Q4. Kenya became independent on?
A 12 December 1963
B 1 June 1963
C 12 December 1964
D 20 October 1952
Reveal Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: Option A (12 December 1963)
Uhuru was achieved on 12 December 1963; Kenya became a republic in 1964.
Key Concept Flashcards
Concept Prompt
Name two causes of African nationalism in Kenya.
Key Takeaway
Loss of land to settlers, forced labour and the kipande system, taxation, racial discrimination and the experience of World War II.
Concept Prompt
What was the Lancaster House Conference?
Key Takeaway
Constitutional conferences held in London (1960, 1962) that agreed on the path to independence and a majimbo-style constitution.
Concept Prompt
Who led the Kenya African Union (KAU) from 1947?
Key Takeaway
Jomo Kenyatta.
Interview & Practice Problems
Role of the Mau Mau Intermediate

Explain four ways in which the Mau Mau movement contributed to the attainment of independence in Kenya.

View Step-by-Step Solution & Code
  1. It put military pressure on the colonial government, forcing it to realise rule by force was costly.
  2. It drew international attention and criticism of British colonial policy.
  3. It led to political reforms such as the Lyttelton and Lennox-Boyd constitutions.
  4. It inspired unity and a sense of national struggle and led to land reforms such as the Swynnerton Plan.
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