Political Development in Kenya

Question 1

Explain the Formation of KANU (Kenya African National Union)

Answer 1

• formed in 1960
• Aimed at attaining political independence
• Aimed at achieving national unity

Question 2

What were the strengths of KANU?

Answer 2

• It was able to mobilize Africans in the struggle for independence
• Took part in negotiations in 1962 where the independence constitution was formulated

Question 3

What were the weaknesses of KANU?

Answer 3

• Undermining of small communities by the large communities ie. Gikuyu and Luo were looked at with a lot of suspicion as having taken up all key leadership positions
• inadequate funds

Question 4

Explain the formation of KAU (Kenya African Union)

Answer 4

• formed in 1949
• aimed at uniting Africans towards an African nation
• To foster economic, social and political interests of the Africans

Question 5

What were the strengths of KAU?

Answer 5

• Provided guidance and political support to Eliud Mathu, the African representative for the LegCo.
• Laid down the foundation for the growth of KANU which ushered Kenyans into political independence

Question 6

What were the weaknesses of KAU?

Answer 6

• interference from the colonial government eg. when they were forced to change their name from KAU to KASU
• Threats from large communities like the Gikuyu who had dominated the party

Question 7

Explain the Native Registration Ordinance (NRO)

Answer 7

• introduced in 1915 to 1920
• allowed for the snatching of land
• led to the introduction of the Kipande system

Question 8

What were the impacts of the Native Registration Ordinance?

Answer 8

• Created a sense of bitterness and insecurity among Africans
• Resulted in poverty among African communities