By Elimu Assistant Team 
π°πͺ The Kikuyu Central Association (KCA) π°πΉ
1924-1940 | Pioneer of Kenyan Political Resistance
π οΈ Formation of KCA
After the ban of EAA, former officials Joseph Kangβethe and Jesse Kariuki founded KCA in 1924 at Kahuhia, Fort Hall.
π Leadership
- President: Joseph Kangβethe
- Vice-President: Jesse Kariuki
- Secretary: Henry Gichuru
- Treasurer: Job Muchuchu
- Secretary-General: James Beauttah
π― Government View
All leaders were considered “extremist politicians” whose activities were closely monitored by colonial authorities.
π KCA Grievances & Demands
π‘ Land Rights
- Removal of 1915 Crown Land Ordinance
- Restoration of alienated African land
- Title deeds for African land ownership
π³οΈ Political Representation
- African representation in LEGCO
- Appointment of educated Paramount Chief
- Release of Harry Thuku & political prisoners
πΌ Economic Reforms
- Abolish kipande system
- Reduce/abolish hut taxes
- Allow African coffee/cash crop farming
π Education & Culture
- Free primary education
- Secondary schools & training facilities
- Respect for circumcision/polygamy
- Laws translated to Gikuyu language
β³ KCA Timeline of Major Events
1925
Presented demands to Governor Grigg during Fort Hall visit. Expanded membership to urban centers & Rift Valley squatters.
1927
Relocated headquarters to Nairobi to connect with other elites. Engaged with Hilton Young Commission on East Africa Federation.
1928
Jomo Kenyatta became Secretary-General. Launched Muigwithania newspaper to promote Kikuyu cultural values.
1929
Sent Kenyatta to London to present grievances. Defended female circumcision leading to independent schools/churches.
1931
Assisted Kikuyu elders in preparing evidence for Kenya Land Commission. Internal power struggles emerged (1931-1938).
1940
Banned by colonial government alongside other associations.
β¨ KCA’s Lasting Impact
π’ Political Awakening
First organized movement to demand African political representation and land rights.
ποΈ Institutional Legacy
Paved way for independent schools/churches and later nationalist movements.
π International Advocacy
Kenyatta’s London mission set precedent for internationalizing Kenyan grievances.
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