With reference to social and economic developments in Kenya up to 1963, to what extent was British rule more of a success than a failure?

Candidates will demonstrate some understanding of social and economic developments in Kenya prior to the colonial period in order for them to contextualize developments under colonialism prior to 1963 under the colonial government. They must address the extent to which these developments can be considered a success or a failure, and by whom.

Indicative content

Successes

• The traditional education system was replaced by Western education, which included the building of schools. This would be considered a success by the colonial government because they were able to use education to spread western ideas and values.
• Christian churches became more widespread under British rule and many of these worked closely with the colonial government.
• Many industries were established to produce consumer goods, mainly for the settler population. This provided employment to some Africans. There was also an increase in road construction linking various parts of the country and a railway network was developed.
• Agricultural development took place, focusing mainly on cash crops. This was seen as more of a success by the settlers than Africans because with it came land confiscation and forced labour.
• There was an increase in the development of towns, mainly because of economic development. Candidates may discuss the kipande system that limited free movement of Africans into these towns.
• Candidates should note that some of the factors considered as successes by the colonial government were considered a failure by Africans because of the negative impact on their communities.

Failures

• The kipande system was hated by the Africans because it limited their movement and confined them to marginal lands.
• Forced labour was hated because it disrupted labour on the African farms and because of the harsh treatment of labourers. Wages were extremely low.
• Land confiscation was one of the major causes of African resistance against the colonial government. Some Africans became wage labourers on land that they had previously cultivated for their own use.
• Various forms of taxes were imposed like the hut and poll taxes and these were unpopular.
• Attacks on traditional cultural practices led to much discontent among the Africans.
• While the focus of the question is not on political developments, reference may be made to growing African opposition relating to many of the factors listed above, a resistance which culminated in the Mau Mau rebellion in the 1950s.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]