History of Kenya

The cradle of Mankind

Kenya's rich pre-historic heritage not only tells the story of man's origin and evolution, but also, has contributed to the understanding of the earth's history. Several thousand fossils and artifacts spanning over 27 million years have been discovered in Kenya. Over the decades, the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) has collected, preserved, studied and documented Kenya's past and present heritage. It houses distinct fossils and artifacts in one of the world's largest collections.

British crown colony

1886: The European colonial powers divide Africa between them at a conference in Berlin. Germany and Britain are the main players in the game of control with East Africa. The Sultan of Oman is still granted a strip on the Coastline.

1888: Imperial British East Africa starts "economic development" in their possessions (today's Kenya and Uganda).

1894: Jomo Kenyatta is born in Ichaweri.

1895: Britain's protectorate is formed and officially named British East Africa.

Rebellion

1952: A political Kikuyu group called "Mau Mau" starts violent attacks on white settlers. The Mau Mau guerillas are organized in Kenya Land Freedom Army (KFLA). Jomo Kenyatta is regarded to be leader of the "Mau Mau" and he is jailed the following year. The Mau Mau rebellion continues and Britain declares a state of emergency in Kenya.

February 6, 1952: The young Elizabeth stays in the Aberdare Treetop Hotel when her father, King George VI, dies of cancer. She returns to England as Queen Elizabeth II.

Independence

1963 - Kenya attains independence as the Dominion of Kenya with Her Majesty the queen as the head of state and Mzee Jomo Kenyatta as the Prime Minister.

1964 – Kenya became a republic and Mzee Jomo Kenyatta is sworn in as Kenya's first President.

1969 –  Kenya holds her first general elections and Mzee Jomo Kenyatta is elected as President.

1974 –  Mzee Jomo Kenyatta is reelected as the President of Kenya.

1978 –  Kenya's first president Mzee Jomo Kenyatta dies peacefully in his sleep.

Kenya's Second President

1978: Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi becomes president of Kenya. At the time he is not seen as a very strong politician, but he was vice president for Kenyatta and the parliament agrees on the choice. This is partly because as a Kalenjin (Tugen) he is not representing any of the dominant tribes in Kenya. The new national slogan launched by Moi is "Nyayo" -follow the tracks.

1979: The president launches a plan for protection of Rhinos in Kenya.

June 1982: The Republic of Kenya is officially declared to be a one party state by ruling party KANU.

The road to democracy

1992: Political discussions slowly become more common on the streets and some people even dare to hope for a change. But at the same time many people fears the wars, violence and chaos in other African countries. An argument often heard is that Moi may be one the most corrupt leaders in the world, but he has kept Kenya peaceful.

Prior to elections, 2000 are killed in ethnic clashes in the Rift Valley region. It is almost certain that the violence was provoked by KANU. But President Moi manages to end the conflict and makes himself an image as the peace maker.