“The Mau Mau uprising had little impact on the struggle for Kenyan independence.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the role that the Mau Mau uprising played in the struggle for Kenyan independence, which was achieved in 1963. Reasons that discuss this role may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the process of emergence of the Mau Mau and the actions that developed, or they may prioritize the discussion of the main objectives that the movement pursued. Candidates may refer to the confiscation of most fertile lands by the colonial government in Kenya and the relationship of this process with the Mau Mau uprising and examine how the same grievances motivated others involved in the independence struggle. Candidates may discuss ways in which Mau Mau had a radicalising effect on the wider nationalist movement, with KANU leader Jomo Kenyatta spending time in jail for his alleged association with the movement. They may also refer to the mainly Kikuyu basis of the uprising and argue that this contributed to growing tensions within nationalist politics. They may note the brutal suppression of the uprising by the British and argue that this contributed to the colonial power’s determination to resist nationalist demands, or alternatively that the shock of the uprising hastened their departure from Kenya. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question on the Mau Mau revolt in Kenya produced a wide range of response. The issue was to analyze the impact and this proved difficult for some candidates as they described events but had trouble creating an effective analysis of impact supported by adequate, relevant content.