How did the British carry out the administration of the Maasais?
Answer:
- The British appointed chiefs of different sub-groups of the Maasais, who were made responsible for the affairs of the tribe.
- They imposed restrictions on raiding and warfare, thereby restricting the authority of elders
- and warriors.
- The chiefs, often collected wealth over time. They had a regular income with which they could buy animals, goods and land.
- They lent money to poor neighbours who needed cash to pay taxes. Many of them began to live in towns as traders.
- Their wives and children stayed back in the villages to look after the animals. -
- These chiefs managed to survive the devastations of war and drought. They had now both pastoral and non-pastoral income, and could buy animals when their stock was depleted.