Role of Colonial Chiefs in the Economic transformation of the Nandi, 1902-1963

Abstract

The British colonial policy of indirect saw the introduction of new forms of leadership among the Nandi in Kenya. Among such new offices were that of the colonial chief, which played an intermediary role in reconciling the economic interests of the colonialists and the natives. Yet, despite their significant role, the contribution of colonial chiefs to the economic transformation of the Nandi has not been documented properly. Available literature largely vilifies these chiefs as agents of a repressive colonial system. Yet, there are signs that the Nandi chose to retain the names and legacies of some of these chiefs, suggesting the chiefs could have made some positive contribution to society. The study thus examined the role of colonial chiefs in economic transformation of the Nandi, Kenya from 1902- 1963. The periods were deemed significant because 1902 was when the chiefs’ ordinance was passed while 1963 was the year Kenya got independence. The study employed the Elite theory and PrincipalAgent theories. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised former colonial chiefs, Nandi community elders, current chiefs who knew the history of their office of chieftaincy in the community. The inclusion criteria comprised variables such as geographical distribution, age and command of historical knowledge of the Nandi colonial chiefs. Data was collected using a questioning guideline, interviews and secondary sources. Therefore, apart from the respondents, the primary sources included archival material on colonial and post-colonial chiefs as well as their roles, collected at the Kenya National Archives in Nairobi and Kakamega, and the information from the County Government offices. Oral interviews were tape-recorded. Secondary sources were obtained from research libraries in Kenya and subjected to content analysis. Data from the interviews and document analysis was analysed thematically. Data from the questionnaire was analysed using descriptive statistics. It was found that the colonial chiefs also played a significant role in the economic transformation of the Nandi through enhanced agriculture, trading and taxation. The study has underscored the importance of proper documentation of the nature of Kenyan communities in the pre-colonial period. There is need to harmonize the different narratives that speak of the different facets of the Nandi origin, migration, settlement and their socio-economic as well as social organization in the pre-colonial period. Such information will provide a clear backdrop for understanding the positive and negative impact of colonialism, including colonial chiefs on the community.