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The reborn Prince Hechingen of the Swabian branch of the Hohenzollern family perceives the unfolding situation in Europe, where war is imminent. Europe cannot afford to delay. The strategy involves establishing a presence in East Africa, fostering immigration and development, and laying the foundations for agriculture. This gradual approach leverages the crisis to expedite the process of industrialization

African Entrepreneurship History

Chapter 121: Northern Territory Development

On February 11, 1868, Omorat Town stood on the eastern bank of the Omo River in Kenya, marking the northernmost immigrant settlement in the East African colony. This settlement had received significant support from the Nairobi government, leading to a population of over 800 people.

Nairobi, despite being the capital of Kenya in this era, was struggling to secure its own development. The Nairobi government had shifted its focus towards other parts of Kenya, including Omorat, as part of its development strategy.

Omorat was strategically chosen for its favorable geographic conditions. Situated on flat, easily developed land, it was a prime location for expansion. Unlike the rugged terrain further north, Omorat had fertile land and access to the Omo River, making it ideal for agriculture.

The town's establishment followed a familiar pattern used by the East African colonies: enclose the land, and then gradually invite the original landowners to leave or cooperate.

By establishing Omorat Town, the East African colonies effectively cut off various forces in Ethiopia, including the Abyssinian Empire, from the land south of Omorat. This move secured approximately 500,000 square kilometers of land along Lake Turkana for the East African colony.

Lake Turkana, despite being saline, surrounded by desert and grasslands, was not suitable for large-scale food cultivation. Instead, it was designated as a pasture. Pastures were considered the lowest economic value land use in East Africa.

Grazing in East Africa involved "armed" grazing, given the abundant wildlife in the region, including lions, leopards, and hyenas. Herdsmen carried guns to protect their animals from both predators and potential threats from indigenous people.

This approach allowed East Africa to gradually expand its control over the region while pushing indigenous populations into smaller and smaller areas. The local population would eventually be absorbed, or those who resisted would be removed by the East African colonies.

Omorat Town served as an agricultural area and held strategic importance. It bordered Ethiopia to the northwest, providing a valuable position for future expansion. Additionally, it offered the East African colonies control over key trade routes into Sudan.

Securing this territory also had future considerations, such as preventing the influx of indigenous people from neighboring regions with large black populations. Ernst understood that to prevent black populations from entering East African colonies, it was necessary to control not only the colonies themselves but also areas near them.

Ernst recognized that the visible skin color of black individuals made them easily distinguishable and identifiable in this era. Preventing their migration required cleaning up not only the colonies but also the surrounding regions.

Ernst had witnessed in his previous life how political decisions often favored those in power, while ordinary people bore the consequences. His experience informed his approach to securing the colonies and preventing unwanted population movements.

In conclusion, Omorat Town's establishment marked the East African colonies' strategic expansion into northern territories, both for agricultural development and securing future interests in the region, while the grazing and development of northern Kenya aimed to create a buffer zone and control over a vast area. These actions were essential to Ernst's vision for the East African colonies.