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Factors which led to the establishment of urban centres in Kenya during the colonial period

Answer Text:
URBANIZATION IN KENYA IN THE COLONIAL PERIOD
Towns that were already in existence before the advent of colonialism include Mombasa, Lamu and Malindi.
Factors which led to the establishment of urban centres in Kenya during the colonial period.
a) Development of transport network. Construction of roads and the Uganda railway led to growth of some towns as transport terminus.
b) Growth of trade in the interior of Kenya. Most towns began as trading centres for Indian commercial entrepreneurs. E.g Machakos, Nakuru, Kisumu, Nairobi and Voi.
c) Development of administrative posts. The colonial government established administrative posts in various parts of the country. E.g Fort Hall, Embu, Kapsabet, Meru and Garissa.
d) Rural-urban migration. The movement to urban areas by African labourers from various parts of the country led to further growth of urban centres.
e) Development of agriculture. Settler farming led to growth of towns like Eldoret which began as agricultural collection centres
f) Development of Agro-based industries like flour mills, meat-processing plants and sawmills which attracted labourers from all parts of the country to
be transformed into urban centres.