What is largely present-day Kenya, became a British Protectorate. Britain had gained access to existing trade routes by establishing links with the Omani Sultanate in the early 19th century.

William Mackinnon, founder of the Imperial British East Africa Company

Source: Eveleen Myers, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

By the end of the 19th century, British colonialists and traders had established a strong if not commanding position in East Africa. However, British territory in the region remained in the hands of the Imperial British East Africa Company (IBEAC). The Company was struggling to implement plans for infrastructural developments that would further facilitate its trade. It was also embroiled in conflict within the Baganda state as a consequence of sectarian rivalries.

IBEAC was proving an unreliable administrator and economic actor in the region. More significantly, it was undermining long-term British imperial interests. In this context, the territories of the Company were transferred to the Crown and the East African Protectorate was created.