Part 2/10:
As these Indian shopkeepers settled in East Africa, they began catering not only to their compatriots but also to the larger indigenous African population and the British. Their presence marked a significant transition from a subsistence and barter economy to a cash-based monetary system. This shift was monumental, as taxes in Uganda were originally paid in kind, evolving into monetary transactions by the turn of the century.
Winston Churchill, during a visit to Africa, noted the unique position of the Indian trader, emphasizing the expansive reach into areas frequently avoided by Europeans. By 1905, Indian traders accounted for an astonishing 80% of Kenya’s capital and entrepreneurial activity, reinforcing their pivotal role in local economies.