The Creation and Evolution of the Pioneer Corps in Kenya: African Agency at the Start of the Second World War

This article focuses on the role of Kenya African soldiers in the creation and evolution of the Pioneer Corps during World War II. It demonstrates how the pioneers, far from being mere passive soldiers in the colonial army in Kenya, were in fact very actively involved in defining their role and welfare during military service in World War II. Agitating for better terms of service, the pioneers ended up fomenting and generating change that made their service tolerable, dignified, and meaningful in the Pioneer Corps during the war. After joining the military, the pioneers constantly asked questions about their service and demanded changes to their terms of employment, influencing the evolution of the Pioneer Corps beyond the boundaries of what it meant to be a pioneer in Kenya during World War II.