The Keiyo of Kenya during the early colonial period

Abstract

This study deals primarily with the manifestation, the magnitude and impact of early colonial onslaught on Keiyo society between 1902 and 1939. The entrenchment of colonialism affected the Keiyo in a very profound manner. In 1902 the area of the Keiyo was brought under the

administration of the East Africa Protectorate. And by 1905 a Keiyo reserve had been created with the purpose of halting Keiyo territorial expansion into the Uasin Gishu plateau thus stalling the free movement of people and livestock. By impinging on Keiyo social and economic institutions

the colonial administration subjected the Keiyo to specific demands. These included the alienation of land, taxation, migrant labour and the appointment of chiefs. The Keiyo responded by active participation in trade, business and cash crop farming. In addition, through their own initiative, the African government school Tambach was established. The colonial presence acted as an important element in the consolidation of the once divergent Keiyo clans. The Keiyo though severely constrained were not disheartened by colonial land alienation. Deprived of vital grazing land, they resourcefully exploited other survival opportunities in squatterdom, _9ut-migrationand the adaptation of new farming methods, such as the use of the plough and the linear planting of seeds rather than random broadcasting.

Aspects of change and continuity permeated Keiyo indigenous institutions. During the period before 1939 the Keiyo were able to maintain a considerable degree of social and economic autonomy, adapting to external pressures without antagonising the colonial government.