Anglo-Maasai Treaty (1904) facts for kids

The Maasai Agreement of 1904 was an important deal made between the British government in East Africa and leaders of the Maasai tribe. It was signed between August 10 and 15, 1904. In this agreement, the Maasai tribe agreed to give up their grazing lands in the central Rift Valley. In exchange, they received special rights to two other areas: a southern reserve near Kajiado and a northern reserve in Laikipia.

Why the Agreement Happened

Maasai Challenges in the Late 1800s

The Maasai gained a lot of new land after winning the Iloikop Wars in the 1870s. However, they found it hard to control all this new land. By the early 1880s, other groups like the Kamba, Kalenjin, and Kikuyu were moving into Maasai areas. The Maasai struggled to protect their cattle and grazing lands.

The time between 1884 and 1894 is known by the Maasai as "The Disaster." Around 1883, a serious cattle disease spread from the north and affected Maasai herds for years. To make up for their losses, the Maasai focused on raiding neighboring tribes. In 1891, another disease called rinderpest hit the Maasai cattle. It spread quickly, likely from raided animals.

British Arrival and Changing Relations

In the late 1880s, the Imperial British East Africa Company (IBEAC) started to meet the Maasai. They began to work together because it helped both sides. In 1893, the Maasai asked Frank Hall, a British commander, to help make peace between local Maasai and the Kikuyu. Later that year, many Maasai survivors of a raid sought protection at a British fort.

In 1895, the British government took over from the IBEAC. They created the East Africa Protectorate. The next year, they started building the Uganda Railway. The British didn't have much money or many soldiers. They didn't want to upset the Maasai, who controlled the areas where their railway and supplies passed. So, the British tried to keep the Maasai happy. They hired Maasai warriors for expeditions and to guard the railway. This protection helped the Maasai rebuild their cattle herds by raiding other tribes.

British and Maasai Interests Change

After 1900, the goals of the British and the Maasai started to differ. The railway was almost finished, so the British no longer worried about their supply lines. The government also started collecting taxes, which gave them regular income. They also created a permanent army in 1902.

For the Maasai, a period of peace meant more stability in their communities. Their cattle herds had mostly recovered. The British government then introduced new rules to control the Maasai. These rules included stopping cattle raids and limiting their military actions.

British Desire for Land

The British government in London and the Protectorate needed to get back the huge amount of money they spent on the railway. They wanted to make the territory profitable. Sir Charles Eliot, who was in charge of the Protectorate, believed the best way was to encourage European settlers. He thought Europeans could use their farming skills and technology. Eliot and other officials saw the White Highlands as the best place for European settlement. This area had long been used by some Maasai groups.

By the early 1900s, many Europeans and Boers from South Africa wanted land. For example, the East Africa Syndicate asked for 320,000 acres. Lord Delamere wanted 100,000 acres. This demand for land made the issue urgent.

Eliot's plan faced opposition from some of his own officers. Frederick Jackson and S.S. Bagge spoke with Maasai elders. They felt that while some land grants were okay, private individuals should not take land from the heart of the Rift Valley Maasai. They suggested land grants should be north of Nakuru and Elementeita, areas not used by the Maasai before. This disagreement over land led to Eliot resigning from his position in 1904.

The Treaty is Signed

Even after Eliot resigned, the British government still wanted a land agreement with the Maasai. In the months before the treaty was signed, Maasai chiefs met with British officials like Charles Hobley in Naivasha and John Ainsworth in Nairobi. They talked about a plan for Maasai land.

On August 10, 1904, the Maasai spiritual leader, Lenana (son of Mbatian), and important representatives from all Maasai groups in the Protectorate met with the new British Commissioner, Sir Donald Stewart, in Nairobi.

What the Treaty Said

It was agreed that the Maasai would leave the entire Rift Valley. This would allow the British government to use it for European settlers. In return, the Maasai groups involved would move to two new settlements. These areas would be set aside only for the Maasai. Europeans or other settlers would not be allowed there.

• The Elburgu (Il Purko), Gekunuki (Il Keekonyokie), Loita, Damat, and Laitutok groups would move to a northern reserve in Laikipia.
• The Kaptei, Matapatu, Ndogalani, and Sigarari groups would move to a territory they originally lived in, south of Ngong and the Kisearian streams.

An area on the slopes of Kinangop was also set aside for the Maasai to hold important ceremonies. Lenana and future leaders were allowed to live on land between Nbagathi and the Kisearian streams. The British government also agreed to pay the Maasai farmers near Nairobi for their crops. They also promised to keep a British station in Laikipia with officers the Maasai knew and trusted.

Sir Donald Stewart signed the treaty on August 10. The Maasai chiefs signed it on August 15, 1904.

What Happened Next

At first, many Maasai refused to move. The government had to delay the move. At a meeting in Naivasha, some warriors said they would rather die than leave their homes. Many Maasai did not move. Instead, they started herding livestock for the East Africa Syndicate. Only the Purko group settled permanently in the northern reserve. The Loita and Damat groups first moved to the northern reserve, but later moved south to the Loita Hills, along with some Purko.

Even though this treaty was signed, Europeans later demanded more land in Laikipia. This led to a second agreement, known as the Maasai Agreement of 1911.