210 
A COLONY IN THE MAKING 
CHAP. 
In addition, the following races have been enlisted : 
Swahili, Masai, Nandi, and Abyssinians. Of these 
probably the Swahilis are the best. The Abyssinians 
are intelligent, brave, and when properly taught form 
good marksmen ; although in their own country the 
usual standard of shooting is execrable. They have, 
however, a deep-rooted dislike to discipline, and an 
almost ineradicable contempt for Europeans, which 
qualities detract from the value of their good points. 
The Nandi form fair material, but the Masai are 
disappointing. 
The conditions of service are six years, with the 
privilege of re-engagement for periods of three years. 
They are liable to serve anywhere in the world. 
The rates of pay are:— 
Soudanese. 
Local Tribes. 
Colour sergeants...40 rupees per month 
30 
Sergeants .34 
28 
Corporals .30 ,, 
24 
Lance-corporals ...28 ,, 
20 
Privates .26 ,, 
16 
Reverting again to the retention or otherwise of 
the regiment, those who are anxious to reduce the 
large yearly expenditure adduce the following argu¬ 
ments. Firstly, that there is no necessity for a 
garrison in Nairobi. That the Masai and Kikuyu are 
now thoroughly peaceable and subdued, and that, 
moreover, if they did make a sudden and unprovoked 
attack the small body of troops available would be of 
no material use. That the troops stationed in the 
out-districts, and more especially on the northern 
frontier, are enormously expensive and of no present 
or prospective use to the Protectorate proper, and that 
