Chapter 90: New Administrative Division
On August 11, 1867, with the last batch of nationals from the Sultanate of Zanzibar sent to Zanzibar Island, the East African colonies took full control of the continental part of the Sultanate of Zanzibar. To facilitate efficient management of these newly acquired lands, Ernst and the high-level colonial government undertook a series of studies and discussions to further divide the administrative divisions of the East African colonies.
Several significant changes and adjustments were made:
1. **Kenya**: The Kenyan colony was split into three administrative regions, which were merged into the East African colony from west to east:
- The Western Region of Kenya, with Kisumu as its capital.
- Central Kenya, with Nairobi as its capital.
- Eastern Kenya, with Mombasa as its capital.
2. **Tanzania**: The first town, which served as the central seat of the East African colonial government, had its jurisdiction redefined to include Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam, creating the Central District.
3. **Upper Coastal Area**: The capital of this region was changed from the third town (Kitunga) to Tanga.
4. **Lower Coastal Area**: The lands along the coast of the original Zanzibar, which were previously not part of the colonies, were included in the adjacent regions. This expanded the coastal areas within the East African colony.
These changes increased the number of administrative districts within the East African colony from ten to fourteen. Additionally, in a move to develop the southern part of the colony, a new port city named Mtwara was planned along the southern coast, with a focus on serving the lower coastal area and the East Malawi Lake District.
This division aimed to address the slower immigration rates in the southern regions and strengthen the overall presence of the East African colonies. The proximity of the Portuguese in Mozambique, with their long history in the region, required vigilance and military deterrence. The East African colonies, under Ernst's planning and leadership, were experiencing rapid growth in immigrant populations and economic development, making them stand out in contrast to neighboring colonies.
The East African colonies were steadily shifting towards a predominantly immigrant population, reducing the number of indigenous inhabitants. While European colonization was often marked by conflicts and resource exploitation, Ernst's planning and development initiatives were rapidly transforming the East African colonies.
In the future, the East African colonies would become predominantly populated by European and Chinese immigrants, with the indigenous populations continuing to decrease. This transformation was driven by efficient planning and major development projects.
(End of Chapter 90)