How did British rule impact Kenya's political structure?

British rule significantly altered Kenya's political structure, introducing centralised governance and marginalising indigenous political systems.

The British colonisation of Kenya, which began in the late 19th century, brought about profound changes to the country's political landscape. Prior to colonisation, Kenya was a collection of diverse communities each with its own political structures, often based on age-sets and clans. However, the British introduced a centralised form of governance, which was alien to many Kenyans.

The British rule was characterised by a system of indirect rule, where local chiefs were appointed by the colonial government to administer their areas. These chiefs were often not traditional leaders, but individuals who were loyal to the British. This undermined the traditional political structures and created a new class of political elites who were disconnected from the people they were supposed to represent.

The British also introduced the concept of private land ownership, which was a significant departure from the communal land ownership that was prevalent in many Kenyan communities. This led to the displacement of many Kenyans from their ancestral lands, creating a landless class that was politically and economically marginalised.

Furthermore, the British rule was marked by racial segregation, with Europeans at the top of the political hierarchy, followed by Asians and Africans at the bottom. This created a racialised political structure that persisted even after independence, with the political elite largely drawn from the communities that were favoured by the British.

The British also introduced Western-style education, which was a prerequisite for participation in the colonial administration. This further marginalised those who did not have access to this education, creating a political structure that was skewed in favour of the educated elite.

In conclusion, the British rule had a profound impact on Kenya's political structure. It introduced a centralised form of governance, undermined traditional political structures, created a new class of political elites, introduced private land ownership, created a racialised political structure, and skewed the political structure in favour of the educated elite.