Indian Diaspora in East Africa: Migration Pattern and Current Profile

Colonial period, political activism of Indians; post independence of East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda) - issues of citizenship, political contributions, local resentments against Indians; with Ugandan crisis debate on Indian as a cheaters, looters, aliens, middlemen emerges; LPG era thrust on their economic success, integration with host societies, gender issues, caste questions, political participation and so on Migration Pattern: close geographical proximity, migration before the beginning of recorded history, monsoon wind plays an important role, Marco Polo produces proof of trade, they ventured inner land too, with expansion of British colonialism, 1841 established consulate at Zanzibar, 1872 steamer service between Bombay and Zanzibar & British Indian Post Office at Zanzibar, 1873 appellate jurisdiction of Bombay HC over their subjects at Zanzibar, consular appointments from Bombay govt. to GOI; ALL THESE FACILITATED TRADE LINKAGES, business communities from India, later indentured labors- Uganda Railway, stories of opportunities Post independent period- crisis, Ugandas expulsion in 1970s, Kenyas policy of discrimination & 1982 riots, Tanzanias economic stagnation under anti capitalists policies and 1990s indigenous debate-Diaspora further from East African countries; migration from India to East African countries continuous phenomenon Current Profile: tiny minority, not even 0.28% of total population, not homogenous group, contribution to land of new destiny positively in economy, polity and society, participated in national movement, nation building process, industrialization Kenya: largest, urban areas half in Nairobi, not homogenous, social and cultural life derived by religious and regional identity, formed associations, economically well off, 30-35% economy stakes, politically awakened Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta pro African approach, was defended by Indian, 1st deputy speaker of Indian origin, prominent jurist from Diaspora, Parliamentary Constitutional Review Commission headed by Indian Tanzania: Mainland(Hindus), Zanzibar (Muslims), rich, control industry and transport, socialist policies of Julius Nyrere affected but LPG era Diaspora beneficiary, most actively participated in political process, vocal, many representatives in Parliament Uganda: major ups and downs, Idi Amin expulsion order 90 days, successor Mussevini welcoming Indian, require Indian human resource for advancement, more immigrants coming in, recently unrest with indigenous people Mobira forest otherwise friendly Conclusion: Diaspora really worked hard in adverse conditions, with LPG era have great opportunities of development