Exploring the Relationship Between Colonial Governance and Nandi Leadership in Kenya, 1905-1918

Abstract

The relationship between colonial governance and Nandi leadership in Kenya has received significant scholarly attention, particularly their dual roles in serving both colonial administrations and their communities. While there are limited studies on the Nandi colonial chiefs in this context, this research critically examines their roles in the Nandi’s social, economic, and political transformation from 1905 to 1918. Grounded in the ‘Principal-Agent’ Theory, the study utilised a historical research design, incorporating oral interviews and archival document analysis. Purposive and Snowball sampling methods were used to identify knowledgeable respondents. Validity and reliability were ensured through expert review of the data collection tools. Findings indicate that the introduction of colonial chiefs represented an alien form of governance initially met with rejection by the Nandi. However, these chiefs fostered social, economic, and political developments as acceptance grew. The study concludes that the Nandi chiefs faced a principal-agent problem, navigating conflicting interests of their communities and the colonial administration, leading them to be seen as both agents for the Nandi and loyal members of the colonial system.