Kenya and Britain after Independence: Beyond Neo-Colonialism (Cambridge Imperial and Post-Colonial Studies)

This book explores British post-colonial foreign policy towards Kenya from 1963 to 1980. It reveals the extent and nature of continued British government influence in Kenya after independence. It argues that this was not simply about neo-colonialism, and Kenya's elite had substantial agency to shape the relationship. The first section addresses how policy was made and the role of High Commissions and diplomacy. It emphasises contingency, with policy produced through shared interests and interaction with leading Kenyans. It argues that British policy-makers helped to create and then reinforced Kenya's neo-patrimonialism. The second part examines the economic, military, personal and diplomatic networks which successive British governments sustained with independent Kenya. A combination of interlinked interests encouraged British officials to place a high value on this relationship, even as their world commitments diminished. This book appeals to those interested in Kenyan history, post-colonial Africa, British foreign policy, and forms of diplomacy and policy-making.;Chapter 1. Introduction: From Mau Mau enemies to 'best friends' -- Part I. Making Policy -- Chapter 2. British institutions and actors -- Chapter 3. Kenyan institutions and actors -- Part II. Policy-making and the Anglo-Kenyan relationship, 1963-1980 -- Chapter 4. 1963-1964: Decolonising a difficult colony -- Chapter 5. 1965-1969: Ensuring a valuable relationship -- Chapter 6. 1970-1973: Negotiating benefits and challenges -- Chapter 7. 1974-July 1978: Waning relationships and interests -- Chapter 8. August 1978-1980: Succeeding with a new president -- Chapter 9. Conclusion: A 'special' relationship. This book explores British post-colonial foreign policy towards Kenya from 1963 to 1980. It reveals the extent and nature of continued British government influence in Kenya after independence. It argues that this was not simply about neo-colonialism, and Kenya's elite had substantial agency to shape the relationship. The first section addresses how policy was made and the role of High Commissions and diplomacy. It emphasises contingency, with policy produced through shared interests and interaction with leading Kenyans. It argues that British policy-makers helped to create and then reinforced Kenya's neo-patrimonialism. The second part examines the economic, military, personal and diplomatic networks which successive British governments sustained with independent Kenya. A combination of interlinked interests encouraged British officials to place a high value on this relationship, even as their world commitments diminished. This book appeals to those interested in Kenyan history, post-colonial Africa, British foreign policy, and forms of diplomacy and policy-making.-- Provided by publisher This book explores British post-colonial foreign policy towards Kenya from 1963 to 1980. It reveals the extent and nature of continued British government influence in Kenya after independence. It argues that this was not simply about neo-colonialism, and Kenya2019s elite had substantial agency to shape the relationship. The first section addresses how policy was made and the role of High Commissions and diplomacy. It emphasises contingency, with policy produced through shared interests and interaction with leading Kenyans. It argues that British policy-makers helped to create and then reinforced Kenya2019s neo-patrimonialism. The second part examines the economic, military, personal and diplomatic networks which successive British governments sustained with independent Kenya. A combination of interlinked interests encouraged British officials to place a high value on this relationship, even as their world commitments diminished. This book appeals to those interested in Kenyan history, post-colonial Africa, British foreign policy, and forms of diplomacy and policy-making Front Matter....Pages i-xi Introduction: From Mau Mau Enemies to ‘Best Friends’....Pages 1-34 Front Matter....Pages 35-35 British Institutions and Actors....Pages 37-76 Kenyan Institutions and Actors....Pages 77-108 Front Matter....Pages 109-109 1963–1964: Decolonising a Difficult Colony....Pages 111-143 1965–1969: Ensuring a Valuable Relationship....Pages 145-180 1970–1973: Negotiating Benefits and Challenges....Pages 181-211 1974–July 1978: Waning Relationships and Interests....Pages 213-240 August 1978–1980: Succeeding with a New President....Pages 241-260 Conclusion: A ‘Special’ Relationship....Pages 261-268 Back Matter....Pages 269-272 Poppy Cullen. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.