Kenya

African Studies

“There is a need to distinguish between citizenship and nationality – citizens of a state can be of various nationalities, while citizenship requires the acknowledgment of equal rights for all nationalities.” Foreign occupation in Africa denied these equal rights to the native citizens of Africa. Strife and resentment encompassed the colonial existence between the white settlers and native Africans. Such hostile emotions would continue and independence would be the only course of rectification. In Kenya particularly, this sentiment along with a strong Pan-African and Black Nationalist influence helped their independence achievement in 1963.

Kenya was very appealing to several European nations. It’s proximity to Uganda and the Nile River was alluring as it facilitated the control and usage of Egypt and the Suez Canal. The prospect of such potential land lured European governments and settlers. Kenya’s resources and cheap African labor made it a valuable commodity to support the emerging industrial revolution. Acquiring such viable land, even if through forceful possession, would be a strategic and diplomatic move for the Europe and its position in the current world affairs. Desire for Kenya and other African territories created a rivalry amongst major powers. Land was divided after the Berlin Conference of 1884 and thus began colonial Kenya. Kenya fell into British rule.

The British formed the Imperial British East Africa Company to rule Kenya but subsequent bankruptcy resulted in Britain’s direct rule. All Kenyan and British citizens were under the Queen of England’s rule. Despite the new common loyalty, ill will grew between the African people of Kenya and the British. mistreatment, seizure of land and migration of white settlers was the root of grievances that led to the birth of the independence movement.

The quest for independence was a long, ongoing mission. Many independence associations were...