What role did Kenya play in the British Empire?
Kenya became a military base for the British in the First World War (1914–1918), as efforts to subdue the German colony to the south were frustrated.
Was Kenya part of the British Empire?
The Colony and Protectorate of Kenya, commonly known as British Kenya, was part of the British Empire in Africa. It was established when the former East Africa Protectorate was transformed into a British Crown colony in 1920.
When did Britain colonize Kenya?
British Kenya (1920-1963) Pre-Crisis Phase (July 23, 1920-September 25, 1952): Kenya, which was part of the British East Africa Protectorate, was declared a British colony on July 23, 1920. Major-General Sir Edward Northey was appointed as the first Governor of the British colony of Kenya.
What did the British Empire gain from Kenya?
The British found that Kenyan land was fertile and could be used to grow a British settlement in Africa. Furthermore, access to luxury goods like ivory encouraged the British to grow their economy. Kenya was also centrally located (relatively) to Britain’s other African colonies and economic interests.
Why did Britain leave Kenya?
Independence and reparations The Mau Mau uprising convinced the British of the need for reform in Kenya and the wheels were set in motion for the transition to independence. On 12 December 1963 Kenya became an independent nation under the Kenya Independence Act.
Why did Kenya become British colony?
Two outbreaks of cattle-disease in the 1880s, an outbreak of smallpox in 1889–90 and internecine fighting between supporters of two rival chiefs weakened the Masai considerably by the 1890s. The British East African Company was granted a charter in 1888, which led to the colonization of present day Kenya.
Why did Kenya become British?
When did Britain conquer Africa?
This rapid period of colonisation is often referred to as the ‘Scramble for Africa’ and it extended in time from just the 1870s until the Boer War at the end of the century.
What was the first British colony in Africa?
The first permanent British settlement on the African continent was made at James Island in the Gambia River in 1661.
When did Kenya become part of the British Empire?
The European and Arab presence in Mombasa dates to the Early Modern period, but European exploration of the interior began in the 19th century. The British Empire established the East Africa Protectorate in 1895, from 1920 known as the Kenya Colony. The independent Republic of Kenya was formed in 1963.
When did the Kenyan colony come to an end?
Kenya Colony. Technically, the ‘Colony of Kenya’ referred to the interior lands, while a 16 km (10 mi) coastal strip (nominally on lease from the Sultan of Zanzibar) was the ‘Protectorate of Kenya’ but the two were controlled as a single administrative unit. The colony came to an end in 1963 when a black majority government was elected for…
Who was the first British governor of Kenya?
Major-General Sir Edward Northey was appointed as the first Governor of the British colony of Kenya. The Young Kikuyu Association (later renamed the East African Association-EAA) was established in June 1921.
What was the difference between the Protectorate and the colony of Kenya?
Technically, the ‘Colony of Kenya’ referred to the interior lands, while a 16 km (10 mi) coastal strip (nominally on lease from the Sultan of Zanzibar) was the ‘Protectorate of Kenya’, but the two were controlled as a single administrative unit.