“Trade unions played a significant role in the achievement of independence in Kenya.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement. Candidates must refer to the situation before independence, noting, for example, the oppressive labour policies and industrial relations based on master and servant laws. They may also consider the connection between colonial rule and the fight for workers’ rights. Candidates may consider the impact of the strikes in the early 1920s, the first registration of trade unions in 1934, and their subsequent evolution between 1943 and 1945, as well as the influence of international trade unionism. Furthermore, they may address the detention of political leaders in 1952 that pushed trade unions to demand independence. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.

This question provided significant challenges to students. It seemed that many students had little knowledge of the role of trade unions or their leaders as required in the question and thus resorted to a generic account on the reasons for Kenyan independence. This did not meet the demands of the question. Some students referred to groups such as KANU, but these were political parties not trade unions.