The dynamics of social change in an African society: the Akamba of Kenya

Ndolo, Donald S.M.

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Dissertation / thesis

Leiden University catalogue

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Title:	The dynamics of social change in an African society: the Akamba of Kenya
Author:	Ndolo, Donald S.M.
Year:	1989
Pages:	190
Language:	English
City of publisher:	Bayreuth
Publisher:	University of Bayreuth
Geographic term:	Kenya
Subjects:	social change Kamba history ethnic groups dissertations (form)
Abstract:	This study of Akamba society before and directly after the establishment of colonial rule in Ukambani (Kenya) is a study of social change. In part 1, the precolonial period, the author describes the migration of the Akamba to their present location (1450?-1650), the post-migration period (1650-1775), and Akamba consanguineal kinship terminology, which demonstrates the reshuffling of the society. Ch. 4, on trade and traders in Akamba society (1775-1889), deals with a new stage of social organization which developed in order to cope with changing times and needs. Part 2, on the colonial period, shows how new norms and religions, quite foreign to the Akamba, had to be incorporated into the society, even when not fully accepted. Ch. 5 covers the incursions of British rulers and Christian missionaries into Akamba territory in the years 1889-1901. Ch. 6, on colonial administration and Christian mission, describes the Europeans' disregard for and unsympathetic behaviour towards Akamba culture and society. Ch. 7 deals with the relations between the Akamba and the missionaries, and the first Akamba protests against colonial rule, together with the coming of prophets who promised to get rid of the Europeans. Coupled with this came the alien labour system, whereby the Akamba were forced to work for wages to pay the newly introduced taxes. Rural-urban dependency emerged when people began migrating to urban centres to work for the Europeans, to return later with their savings to the village or to remain in town as permanent residents.