The Kenya Land Commission (1932-34) and the Kikuyu

Abstract

The Kenya Land Commission (1932-34) and the Kikuyu by Michael Simon Coray Land, and policy related to land, has had immense significance in the politics of Kenya during the co1onia1 and independent periods of that nation's history. In the decade which has passed since independence was granted, scholars have begun to investigate the function of African land grievances in the gener~tion of nationalist thought and activity during the colonial period. Many investigations of this kind have pointed directly to the period between the first and second World l'1arsas a crucial one in this development. This study will give further illumination to the dynamics of a developing Kikuyu nationalism by examining the inquiry, conclusions and recommendations of the Kenya Land (Carter) Commission (1932-34) related to the Kikuyu.