The impact of Kenya African soldiers on the creation and evolution of the pioneer corps during the second world war

The author, Meshack Owino helps us to understand and appreciate the power, agency, and initiative of the ordinary people of African to change their lives and societies for the better. When the colonial government started recruiting the Africans into the newly formed Pioneer Corps, it found itself increasingly coming under pressure from its recruits questioning its policies in the Pioneer Corps. Instead of being obeyed, it was being questioned. While the colonial government seemed intent on treating the pioneers as mere automatons in the service of the colony, the pioneers, on the other hand, appeared intent on ensuring that their service was dignified, meaningful, and above all else, humane. The author shows that by fearlessly confronting the powerful colonial citadel over their right to bear arms, among other rights and actually earning some of those rights, the pioneers provide us with a powerful reminder that ordinary Africans have the power to bring change in their societies. Ordinary Africans need not be fearful, passive, and submissive in the face of injustice, intolerance, or unfairness; like the pioneers during the colonial period, ordinary Africans too can take matters into their hands and confront acts of injustice, intolerance, and unfairness and bring about meaningful change in their societies.