The Kenya Compromise
T'THANKS in large measure to the skill and per- il sistence of Mr. Maudling, the Kenya con- ference has escaped shipwreck, and disputes as to whether or not the resulting constitution is federal in nature should be left to political scientists. Some features of federalism there cer- tainly are. An upper house is to be elected by regions, while they themselves will keep a num- ber of powers concerning local government and the administration of tribal lands. But there is to be a central government in full control of such matters as defence, economic planning and foreign affairs. The White Highlands too are to be the responsibility of a central land board. In fact, the composition of the new Kenya Govern- ment is likely to weigh more heavily in the balance than the constitution it has to operate. Mr. Ngala of the Kenya African Democratic Union and Mr. Kenyatta of the Kenya African National Union are to head it on a basis of equality, while for the moment defence and legal alfairs will remain in the hands of official Ministers. How workable this arrangement will be remains to be seen. Much will depend on the degree of trust which the two Ministers of State Manage to achieve by working together. But if the new coalition Government settles down into the everyday tasks of administration, and, in Particular, a much needed restoration of Kenya's economic life, then the future of that country Will look much rosier. The result of the con- ference reflects credit on the leaders of the African parties and on the Colonial Secretary, but it is only a beginning.
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