HC Deb 19 April 1962 vol 658 cc664-5
14. Mr. Healey

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress is being made with the Africanisation of posts in the public service in Kenya.

Mr. Maudling

On 1st July, 1960, there were 637 Africans in grades higher than clerical scales. By 1st April, 1962, this number had reached 1,243. By the end of July, 1962, the number of African District Officers will rise to approximately 100. The total number of African Administrative Officers of all grades will then be more than 200. Four African District Commissioners are in full charge of Districts and further appointments will be made following completion of training in July of this year. By January, 1963, at least twelve District Commissioner posts will be held by Africans.

Mr. Healey

This report is definitely encouraging, but will the right hon. Gentleman comment on the very disturbing reports which have appeared recently in, for example, The Times that in many respects progess in Africanisation is deplorably slow? Will be agree that the hold-up and difficulties facing Kenya in achieving a political solution to her problems could be greatly eased if there was acceleration in the Africanisation of the Administration itself?

Mr. Maudling

I think that this is one of the mose difficult problems in Kenya. I am not sure that the cure for it is solely Africanisation. We want to produce a local Civil Service including all races living in Kenya. The problem in connection with Africanisation is mainly that of education, and we hope that the efforts in education which have been made in Kenya recently will bear fruit soon. But it would be a great mistake to Africanise at such a rate as to undermine the efficiency of the service.

Mr. Wall

Is my right hon. Friend aware that unless and until an adequate scheme for non-designated officers is worked out there is not likely to be a very good atmosphere for co-operation in Africanisation or development of a local Civil Service?

Mr. Maudling

I do not think that will follow. The problem about Africanisation is to find people of sufficient education to handle the task.