Origin and Development of Naivasha town, 1895-2013

Abstract

This study is a historical analysis of Naivasha town. The study does so by focusing on three main periods. First, it traces the origin of the town from the pre-colonial period when the Maasai inhabited the Naivasha area. Secondly, it is an analysis of the colonial period, when the foundations were laid for the most prosperous sector of Naivasha economy. Lastly, the study extends to post-colonial period which attempts to answer the socio-economic questions that have had significance on the recent history of the town‟s development. The main purpose of the study is to fill the exact knowledge gap on the origin and development of Naivasha town. The study is helpful to urban development agencies and policy makers and also contributes to Kenya‟s urban historiography. The study employs the modernisation and underdevelopment theory. Modernisation approach is a description and explanation of the processes of transformation from traditional or underdeveloped societies to modern societies. Underdevelopment and dependence theory show how the core nations exploit the peripheral ones, through a system of multinationals.The study utilised primary data collected from the Kenya National Archives in Nairobi and its branch in Nakuru. Archival data collected were corroborated with oral data collected through in-depth interviews. Informants included: elderly, present and past administrators, white settlers present, flower farm owners and workers, businessmen/women and other residents. Secondary data was sought from the internet, Egerton University Library, British Institute of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, University of Nairobi Library, Macmillan Library in Nairobi and Kenya National Library Services in Nakuru. Data analysis included theoretical reflections, content analysis and documentary review. Data was categorised into research questions, objectives, sub-themes and chronologically. Findings of the study traced the origin of Naivasha town to when the Maasai occupied the area along Lake Naivasha. The twentieth century saw the colonial government signing an agreement with theMaasai and moving them to the Reserves. Consequently, the construction of the railway led to the introduction of settler agriculture and in turn influx of migrants. This led to the establishment of colonial capitalism and Naivasha became important to the settler economy due to agriculture. In the post-colonial period, the town‟s development has been enormous through horticulture farms, tourism and increased social amenities. These have led to increase in population and hence increase in demand for service and retail sectors. Further research could be directed on migrant labour and welfare of the workers in the horticultural farms