Imperial British East Africa Company

British colonial organization

Also known as: British East Africa Association, British East Africa Company(Show More)

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July 23, 2026

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The Imperial British East Africa Company was a British colonial organization that played a role in the "Scramble for Africa" during the late 19th century. Granted a royal charter in 1888, it was authorized to administer and develop British interests in East Africa. The company established claims in what is now Kenya and also administered territory in Uganda.12345

However, the company faced significant financial difficulties, particularly when it became involved with the kingdoms of Buganda and Bunyoro. These financial problems led to the British government taking control in 1895, forming the East Africa Protectorate in the area that is now Kenya. The company surrendered its charter to the British government for a payment of £250,000.5413

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- Frederick Lugard
  …next enterprise was under the imperial British East Africa Company, one of the chartered companies that preceded imperial annexation in Africa. Leaving Mombasa in August 1890, he led a caravan for five months along an almost untrodden route of 800 miles (1,300 km) to the advanced kingdom of Buganda. Here…
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  …next enterprise was under the imperial British East Africa Company, one of the chartered companies that preceded imperial annexation in Africa. Leaving Mombasa in August 1890, he led a caravan for five months along an almost untrodden route of 800 miles (1,300 km) to the advanced kingdom of Buganda. Here…
  Read More