The role of colonial chiefs in Kenya (PDF)

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2019 in the subject History - Africa, grade: 5.0, Mount Kenya University, course: M.A history, language: English, abstract: This work analyses the role of colonial chiefs in the development of Kenya. Therefore, their contributions to the different sectors of the republic have been evaluated. The work starts with an overview of colonial chiefs and ways on how they were appointed are described. Then an in-depth review of their different contributions, such as their contribution to the security of the country and their help to transform the education system in the country, is given.

From the report it becomes clear that, despite their collaboration with the British colonizers, the traditional chiefs played an integral role as they mobilized communities to bring development in different sectors. Reports clearly show how colonial chiefs mobilized communities to develop health facilities, contract roads and engage in environmental conservation.

Colonial chiefs in Kenya form a strong part of the country`s history, as they are the ones who facilitated the operation of the colonial regime in the country. Though they have been criticized as collaborators by most of the existing historical studies, they are also credited in contributing towards the sustainable development of Kenya. Their governance played a significant role, particularly in the maintenance of high security standards, promotion of education and growth of the agricultural sector.