Designed as a framework case-study of the phased introduction of representative institutions and responsible government in two contrasting British possessions in tropical Africa, ‘native’ Nigeria and ‘settler Kenya, the analysis is focussed on constitutional advance within the context of the Durham principles. The vocabularic nuances of British colonial policy and responsible government are assessed. Finally, the Durham legacy in tropical Africa is evaluated in terms of both the purpose and the process of the transfer of power.