The System · Kenya
The Road to Independence
After the Emergency, Britain accepted that Kenya would become an African-ruled country. The question became who would lead it, and on what terms.
Africans were first elected to the Legislative Council in 1957. At the Lancaster House conferences in London (1960, 1962, 1963), African leaders negotiated the constitution. Two parties emerged: KANU, led by larger communities and wanting a strong central state, and KADU, representing smaller communities and favouring regional government (majimbo).
Kenyatta was released in 1961 and led KANU to victory in 1963. Kenya gained self-government on 1 June 1963 (Madaraka Day) and full independence on 12 December 1963, becoming a republic exactly a year later.
Timeline
- 1957
First African elections to the Legislative Council.
- 1960
First Lancaster House conference; KANU and KADU formed.
- 1961
Jomo Kenyatta released from detention.
- 1963
Madaraka Day (1 June) and independence (12 December).
- 1964
Kenya becomes a republic with Kenyatta as president.
Key vocabulary
- Majimbo
- Kiswahili for 'regions' — a federal system of regional governments.
- Self-government
- Running internal affairs while the colonial power keeps final authority.
Discussion prompt
Why might smaller communities have wanted power shared between regions?
Quiz time
1. Which party favoured majimbo?
2. What is 1 June celebrated as?
Answer every quiz question correctly above to mark this sub-topic complete.