. It was during the 19th century that Goan ABC class proved their capabilities to the Britishers in India. A small note should be added here: these Goans were primary level educated ( which was a great achievement during those days ), of the so called upper caste and hailed mostly from Bardez taluka.
When British East Africa was being opened during the early 20 th century to disburse the benefits of the British Empire to the natives, a few British officers like the District Commissioner, Police and Engineering cadres were sent to the interior of Kenya. They set up their tents in salubrious high elevation places which later became small towns and a few like Nairobi blossomed into a great city. These pioneering officers were always accompanied by Goan clerks/ cashiers recruited in India who not only kept paper records but also safeguarded cash. It is possible that Obama's paternal ancestors may have paid their taxes in local currency i.e. cowrie shells to a Goan cashier. There were some added duties as well. He had to secure provisions for his boss' home and look after his welfare i.e. that he was comfortably settled in his residence. When the native mpishi ( cook ) failed to report for duty either because of his waywar ways or he could have possibly been eaten by a crocodile on his way to his Bwana Kuba's house, it was the Goan clerk who stepped in, cooked and served meals for his boss.
