Colonial Urbanization in Kenya: The Case of Nanyuki Town, 1920 -1963

Abstract

The history of urbanization has become an important part of Kenya‘s historiography. While a sizeable number of works on urbanization in Kenya exist, towns like Nanyuki have not received adequate historical attention. This study therefore sought to provide a historical perspective on patterns and processes of change in Nanyuki in the colonial period The research was intended to contribute to knowledge by outlining the history of Nanyuki town so that the dynamics behind the development of Nanyuki are explained in terms of social, political and economic growth historically with specific reference to colonial Kenya.the study on urbanization is the first to be carried out. The findings of the study serve as a basis for other works on urbanization. The study covers the period from 1920 when Nanyuki was designated as a Soldier Settlement Scheme, up to 1963 when formal colonialism ended in Kenya. This study employed the concept of colonial capitalism. The research adapted the ex post facto design which deals with the past and tries to reconstruct it. The study relied on both primary and secondary sources. Secondary sources were obtained from both private and public libraries especially in Nakuru and Nairobi. Primary data was obtained from the Kenya National Archives mainly in Nairobi and also from the field research in Nanyuki. Purposive sampling was used in identifying informants. The oral sources were used to complement documentary sources. Analysis of data involved interpreting both the qualitative and quantitative data.The work was then organized chronologically and thematically. The findings clearly bring out the uniqueness of Nanyuki town in comparison to other colonial towns in Kenya. The early history of Nanyuki is discussed. The establishement of European settlement from 1921 is also discussed. The impact of the Second World War on the development of Nanyuki is also discussed. The development of Nanyuki in the post war period is also discussed in addition to lei+sure activities in colonial Nanyuki. The research therefore contributes towards the history of ‗smaller towns‘ in Kenya and their development that needs to be understood historically.