Kenya remained the hub of colonial settlement for several reasons:
1. Strategic Location: Kenya's location on the eastern coast of Africa made it an ideal base for European colonial powers to establish control over the region. It provided easy access to the Indian Ocean, which facilitated trade and communication with other colonies and European powers.
2. Natural Resources: Kenya was rich in natural resources, including fertile land, minerals, and wildlife. European settlers saw great economic potential in exploiting these resources for agriculture, mining, and hunting, which further attracted them to the region.
3. British East Africa Protectorate: In the late 19th century, the British established the British East Africa Protectorate, which later became the colony of Kenya. The British government actively encouraged and supported European settlement in Kenya, offering land grants and other incentives to attract settlers.
4. White Settler Ideology: The colonial powers, particularly the British, believed in the concept of "white man's burden" and the superiority of European civilization. They saw themselves as bringing progress, development, and civilization to the African continent. This ideology motivated many European settlers to migrate to Kenya and establish their dominance over the local population.
5. Agricultural Potential: Kenya's fertile land and favorable climate made it suitable for large-scale agriculture. European settlers introduced cash crops like coffee, tea, and sisal, which became major exports and contributed to the economic development of the colony. The settlers established large plantations and farms, creating a system of agricultural dominance.
6. Infrastructure Development: The colonial powers invested heavily in developing infrastructure in Kenya, including railways, roads, ports, and administrative centers. This infrastructure facilitated the movement of goods and people, making Kenya an attractive destination for European settlers looking for economic opportunities and a comfortable lifestyle.
Overall, a combination of strategic location, abundant natural resources, government support, settler ideology, agricultural potential, and infrastructure development contributed to Kenya becoming the hub of colonial settlement in East Africa.