From Berlin Conference to Colony and Protectorate

Date: 15th November 1884 to 26th February 1885.
Background: Several European countries were interested in colonizing territories in Africa.
- Motivation for colonization included:
  - Expansion of empires post-Industrial Revolution.
  - Increased demand for raw materials such as cotton.
  - Curiosity about Africa, influenced by Geographical Societies (e.g., Royal Geographical Society).
  - Missionary activities aimed at spreading Christianity to Africa.

Total Countries Represented: 14, including:
- Colonizers: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, United Kingdom (Great Britain).
- Non-colonizers: Austria-Hungary Empire, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden-Norway, United States.
Outcome: Kenya was colonized by Great Britain.

Africa was partitioned into colonial zones.
The area now known as Kenya was initially part of British East Africa before becoming its own entity alongside Uganda.

European interest in Africa in the 19th Century led to the Berlin Conference to resolve territorial disputes and conflicts over colonization.
The conference resulted in the partitioning of Africa and the establishment of colonial zones, with Kenya falling under British control.

1920: Kenya officially became a colony and protectorate of the United Kingdom.
- Definitions:
  - Colony: A country under full or partial political control by a foreign power.
  - Protectorate: A territory with local autonomy but under the protection of a sovereign state.

Various communities and individuals rose against colonial presence.
Kenya's Political Independence: Achieved on 12th December 1963.
- Commemorative Events:
  - Jamhuri Day on 12th December.
  - Attained internal self-government on 1st June 1964 (Madaraka Day).
The British Flag: Referred to as The Union Jack.

Armed struggles by communities to reclaim land taken by colonialists.
Discriminatory labor policies led to widespread resistance through trade unions, advocating for workers' rights.

Makhan Singh (1913-1973): Key figure in establishing labor unions in Kenya.
- Formation of Unions: Initiated the Labour Trade Union of Kenya in 1935.
- Arrest: Imprisoned for opposing colonial rule.

Focused on collective bargaining for better working conditions.
Addressed issues such as pay fairness, working conditions, and benefits for workers.

List of the Six: Jomo Kenyatta, Bildad Kaggia, Ramogi Achieng Oneko, Paul Ngei, Fred Kubai, Kung’u Karumba.
Arrested under allegations related to the Mau Mau movement during the state of emergency declared on 20th October 1952.
Trial: Lasted six months; found guilty and sentenced to seven years imprisonment.
Jomo Kenyatta became the first Prime Minister, later the first President of Kenya.

Constitutions Before Independence:
- Lyttleton Constitution (1954): Allowed elections and representation, established a multi-racial council.
- Lennox-Boyd Constitution (1957-1958): Proposed increases in African representation.
Lancaster House Conferences (1960, 1962, 1963): Negotiated Kenya’s constitutional framework leading to independence.
- Outcomes included:
  - Establishment of elective seats in the Legislative Council (LegCo).
  - Formation of political parties allowed, lifting of the state of emergency, inclusion of a Bill of Rights.

Establishment of the Kenya Federation of Labour in 1947 led to further advancements for workers’ rights.
Important leaders included:
- Tom Mboya: Advocated for workers' rights, played a significant role in trade union movements.

Displacement of local communities and disruption of traditional societies.
Introduction of Western education and different religious practices which influenced local cultures.
Economic exploitation and establishment of plantation economies undermined traditional livelihoods.

Ethnic tensions arose as different groups vied for political power.
Economic challenges following the strains of colonization and expectations for rapid development.