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.