"Throughout history many European countries have conquered other countries in Africa and Asia - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2009

One significant effect of colonialism on Kenya's economy is economic dependency. During the colonial period, the British established a plantation economy based largely on cash crops like tea and coffee. This created an economic structure that prioritized the export of these goods while undermining local food production. Consequently, even today, Kenya relies heavily on agricultural exports, leaving its economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global markets. The focus on cash crops has also limited diversification, hindered sustainable development, and affected food security within the nation.

This economic dependency results in Kenya needing to import food items that could potentially be produced locally, thus affecting its self-sufficiency. Additionally, fluctuations in prices for cash crops can lead to periods of economic instability, impacting local farmers and communities reliant on these exports.

Another negative effect of colonialism in Kenya is the persistent social inequality that arose from land dispossession. The British colonial administration allocated vast tracts of fertile land to European settlers, displacing local communities. This not only led to a concentration of wealth among a small elite but also entrenched poverty among the majority of the population. Today, land ownership remains inequitable, contributing to social tensions and conflict over resources.

The legacy of land dispossession has resulted in ongoing disputes and an underclass that struggles for equal access to resources and economic opportunities. This inequality hinders overall national development and perpetuates cycles of poverty, making it a prominent issue in Kenya's socio-economic landscape.