Transformation of white settler agriculture in colonial Kenya: the case of Molo, Nakuru district, 1904-1963

Abstract

The study examined the transformation of white settler agriculture in the Molo area during the colonial period. Settler farming was an important aspect of the colonial economy in Kenya. Settler farming in Molo area was introduced due to a combination of economic and geographical factors. The study first discussed the origin of European settlement in Molo in the early colonial period up to 1918. The study further examined agricultural changes in the inter-war period (1919-1938) in Molo. An assessment of the organisation of settler agriculture in Molo from 1939 to 1951 was made. Finally, an analysis of the changes that took place in white settler agriculture in Molo from 1952 to independence was carried out. The study period commences in 1904 when land alienation for white settlement in Molo started. It was also in 1904 that the first settlers, Major Webb and Jasper Abraham, settled in Mariashoni and Kweresoi (Kuresoi) in Molo area respectively. Settler dominance in Molo was essentially a consequence of discriminatory economic policies adopted by the colonial state. The white settlers aimed to make strides in agricultural production because of their cumulative experiences, availability of infrastructure, capital and government support. This study was guided by Colonial Capitalism Theory. The theory posits that the colonial mode of capitalist production was dependent upon the colonial state in all major areas of economic growth. The theory also helped to explain the various forms of state support that the colonial government offered to the white settlers to make settler agriculture successful. Data was collected from informants through oral interviews and from the Kenya National Archives in Nairobi. Informants were identified through purposive sampling and snowball sampling. A total of eighty informants were interviewed. Secondary sources such as books, journals and newspapers were also used. Data was analysed historically, thematically and logically. The research findings show that the success of white settler agriculture in Molo was attributed to the support that white settlers received from the colonial government. For the whole programme to work, African agriculture was neglected and received no support. Africans were compelled to work for the white settlers. Finally, data has been presented in a qualitative form which is descriptive in nature. The study has thus helped fill the knowledge gap in agricultural history.