Papers of the Kenya Association (1932)

This material is held atBodleian Library, University of Oxford

  • Reference
    • GB 161 MSS.Afr.s.595
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1932-1952
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
    • English.
  • Physical Description
    • 22 files and volumes

Scope and Content

The bulk of the collection is concerned with enquiries about land for sale or to let. This consists of descriptions of properties (as supplied by residents), and correspondence with residents, potential settlers and with the Kenya Agent in London. There is also some correspondence with visitors to Kenya and others requiring information about travel, accommodation, employment, etc.

Also included is a file of press cuttings (1937-1938) dealing with settlement, tourism and other matters of concern to the Association, and a file containing minutes of the meetings of the Executive Committee of the Kenya Association (1932-1950).

Administrative / Biographical History

The Convention of Associations was established in 1910 to combine a number of associations that had already formed in Kenya to make the needs and interests of the colonists known to the Colonial Office. On the 26 May 1932 the Executive Committee of the Convention of Associations met and resolved to appoint a 'Central Settlement and Publicity Committee'; at a further meeting on the 7 July 1932 it was agreed that this name should be amended to read 'The Kenya Association (1932)'.

The Kenya Association was formed to assist in the advancement, prosperity and well being of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya. It was registered at Nairobi on the 31 August 1932 as a Company limited by guarantee, with no share capital, to be administered by a Central Executive Committee with its office in Nairobi.

Among the aims of the Association were to make known throughout the world the attractions and advantages of the country for farmers, settlers and visitors; to assist in the introduction of settlers; to maintain registers of farming and residential properties available for sale or lease and help in the disposal or purchase of properties; to encourage tourist traffic; and to give information and advice to anyone enquiring about any aspect of life in Kenya.

Access Information

Bodleian reader's ticket required.

Note

Collection level description created by Marion Lowman, Bodleian Library of Commonwealth and African Studies at Rhodes House.

Other Finding Aids

The library holds a card index of all manuscript collections in its reading room and a handlist is also available for this collection.

Listed as no. 255 in Manuscript Collections (Africana and non-Africana) in Rhodes House Library, Oxford, Supplementary accessions to the end of 1977 and Cumulative Index, compiled by Wendy S. Byrne (Oxford, Bodleian Library, 1978).

Conditions Governing Use

No reproduction or publication of personal papers without permission. Contact the library in the first instance.

Custodial History

Deposited with the Oxford Colonial Records Project in May 1963.