and that of the public service (the civil service, the police, the army). The Consular–General sought
and was authorized to impose certain forms of taxes and levies on the activities of the budding economy. While this generated the necessary funds, it reminded, specifically the Europeans, of their inalienable rights, i.e.“no taxation without representa- tion”.Thus, in 1902, the Europeans formed a loose social welfare–cum political association, the Colonists Association- to press for the restora- tion of the ancient rights of every British subject. The Colonists Association submit- ted a petition in 1905 to his Majesty’s government, demanding, among oth- ers, participation in the government. Sir Charles’ successor, James Hayes Sadler, forwarded the petition to London and received a response in 1906.The Order-in-Council of 1906 gave an outline of the government of British East Africa.The 1906
Order–in–Council was in effect the framework of a constitution for Kenya. Indeed, any changes to accommodate new developments in the structures and processes of gov- ernment were effected by amend- ments to the Order–in–Council. The government as outlined in
the Order–in–Council of 1906, com- prised:
(i) A Governor who would also be the Commander-in-Chief, replacing, the Commissioner and Consular-General
(ii) An executive council (EXCO), chaired by the Governor,
comprising the heads of the key civil service departments would be established to advice and assist the Governor in the governing of Kenya; and
(iii) A Legislative Council (Legco), comprising both official and unofficial Members, the latter to be appointed by the Governor,
from the Europeans;would carry out limited legislative chores.
The legislative council: 1907-1918 Subsequent on the Order–in–Council of 1906, the first council, comprising nine European Members, held its first and inaugural sitting on 16 August 1907.The Members included Sir James Hayes Sadler, governor and commander-in- chief, President of the Legco; Mr Hobley, the senior commissioner and Colonel Montgomery, the commis- sioner of lands. The first sitting was held in the
Railway Club, the home of the pres- ent Nairobi Railway Golf Club in Nairobi.The sitting – comprising four officials and an equal number of unofficial Members – carried out two major orders of the day; namely, the swearing in of the Members and commencement of debate on a Bill to ban the sale of intoxicating liquor within Kenya. Following a heated
An elderly woman placing her vote during election time in Kenya. The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Four 353