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The Making of Kenya's Postcolonial Elite: Africa and the Diaspora

Zachary Cox

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Published in Mau Mau S Children: The Making Of Kenya S Postcolonial Elite (Africa And The Diaspora: History Politics Culture)

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Kenya's postcolonial elite is a product of a complex historical process. The country's transition from British colonial rule to independence in 1963 was a watershed moment in its history. The new nation faced the daunting task of building a new political and economic system, and it was in this context that a new elite emerged.

Mau Mau’s Children: The Making of Kenya’s Postcolonial Elite (Africa and the Diaspora: History, Politics, Culture)

by David P. Sandgren

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The postcolonial elite in Kenya was largely composed of individuals who had received a Western education. Many of them had attended prestigious universities in Europe and the United States, and they returned to Kenya with a strong sense of nationalism and a desire to contribute to the development of their country.

In addition to their education, the postcolonial elite also benefited from social networks and political patronage. They were often connected to powerful individuals in the government and the private sector, and they were able to use these connections to advance their careers.

The postcolonial elite in Kenya played a significant role in the country's development. They were responsible for the establishment of a new political system, the development of a new economic system, and the expansion of social services.

However, the postcolonial elite also faced a number of challenges. They were often criticized for being elitist and out of touch with the needs of the common people. They were also accused of corruption and nepotism.

Despite these challenges, the postcolonial elite in Kenya continued to play a significant role in the country's development. They were instrumental in the country's transition to a multi-party democracy in the 1990s, and they continue to be influential in the country's political and economic life today.

Education

Education played a central role in the making of Kenya's postcolonial elite. The British colonial government established a number of schools to educate the children of the African elite. These schools provided a Western-style education that emphasized academic achievement and discipline.

After independence, the Kenyan government continued to invest in education. The number of schools and universities increased, and the curriculum was expanded to include more African content.

Social networks

Social networks also played a significant role in the making of Kenya's postcolonial elite. The elite often had close ties to each other, and they were able to use these connections to advance their careers.

The elite also had close ties to the British colonial government. Many of them had served in the colonial administration, and they were able to use these connections to gain access to resources and opportunities.

After independence, the elite continued to maintain strong social networks. They often intermarried, and they formed close relationships with powerful individuals in the government and the private sector.

Political patronage

Political patronage also played a significant role in the making of Kenya's postcolonial elite. The elite were often able to use their connections to gain access to government positions and other opportunities.

The elite also used political patronage to control the distribution of resources and opportunities. They often favored their own ethnic group and their own supporters.

Political patronage was a major source of corruption and nepotism in Kenya. It also led to the formation of a patronage system that benefited the elite at the expense of the common people.

Challenges

The postcolonial elite in Kenya faced a number of challenges. They were often criticized for being elitist and out of touch with the needs of the common people. They were also accused of corruption and nepotism.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the postcolonial elite in Kenya became increasingly authoritarian. They suppressed dissent and curtailed civil liberties.

In the 1990s, the postcolonial elite in Kenya was challenged by a new generation of leaders. These leaders were more democratic and more responsive to the needs of the common people.

The postcolonial elite in Kenya has continued to face challenges in the 21st century. These challenges include corruption, poverty, and ethnic conflict.

Impact on Kenya's development

The postcolonial elite in Kenya has had a significant impact on the country's development. They were responsible for the establishment of a new political system, the development of a new economic system, and the expansion of social services.

The making of Kenya's postcolonial elite is a complex historical process. The elite emerged in the context of Kenya's transition from British colonial rule to independence in 1963. The elite was largely composed of individuals who had received a Western education, had social networks, and had political patronage.

Mau Mau’s Children: The Making of Kenya’s Postcolonial Elite (Africa and the Diaspora: History, Politics, Culture)

by David P. Sandgren

4 out of 5