British East Africa Company

The British East Africa Company, established in 1888, was a private company granted a royal charter to develop and manage trade and settlement activities in East Africa, primarily in present-day Kenya and Uganda. It played a key role in establishing British influence in the region, building infrastructure like railways and controlling resources. Although it initially handled administrative duties, the company’s declining profitability led Britain to requisition direct control in 1895, founding the British East Africa Protectorate. Essentially, it was a commercial enterprise that facilitated British expansion and economic interests in East Africa during the late 19th century.