Kenya’s history is marked by thriving cultures and traditions, but also invasions, violence, and bloodshed. Its fertile soil and rich coastline hosted centuries of wars and struggles, dating back to the first century AD. Today Kenya is home to an abundant agricultural system, a growing tourist industry, and a democratic government structure. However, the road to this end was a long and complicated fight.
About Kenya- Information on a variety of subjects relating to the Kenyan culture and history.
The earliest know hominids dwelled on this land 20 million years ago. The first human inhabitants arrived around 2000 BC from what is now Sudan and Ethiopia.
Earliest Settlements- A detailed look at the earliest inhabitants of Kenya.
The earliest invasions of the Kenyan territory date all the way back to 600 AD when Arabs began forming stations for trading along the coast. It wasn’t until the 16th century that the Portuguese interrupted Arab dominance, only to be driven off in the late 1600’s by African inhabitants. Almost two centuries later, the British began to settle throughout Kenya and later formed the British East African Protectorate in 1895.
Timeline - Timeline of events in Kenyan history including invasions.
Kenya was occupied mostly be Cushitic-speaking people from Northern Africa before Arab and Persian arrived in the first century AD. Later Nilotic and Bantu-speaking peoples migrated into the same region where they shared the fertile land and traded with the Indian and the Arab world. At this time, in western Kenya, the Luo and other Nilotic-speaking peoples developed agricultural and herding communities where they safely occupied land until the emergence of Vasco de Gama and the Portuguese in 1498.
Early History – Thorough history of Kenya
At the turn of the 20th century, European settlers began to migrate to Kenya lured by Nairobi, a newly prosperous city and the surrounding fertile land. Tensions grew between the natives and the white settlers after the Europeans stole land from African tribes, introduced new laws, and offered cheaper land to white WWI veterans. In response, the African community organized a pan-Kenyan movement, first led by Harry Thuku, later taken over by Jomo Kenyatta. In 1947 Kenyatta became the President of the Kenya African Union (KAU), a political organization for the Kenyan independence of Britain. However, only five years later he was imprisoned for his involvement in the cause.
Although the KAU created a voice for Africans, the government did not seem to come through on any promises made to the organization. As a result, the Mau Mau, an organization of freedom fighters that advocated violence against the colonial government, began a bloody war. Quickly the British learned that their rule in Kenya was too costly with so much opposition and the growing media attention was not a favorable effect. Nine years later, in 1961, Kenyatta was freed and named leader of the Kenya African National Union (KANU), a party also supported by the Mau Mau. Finally in May of 1963, Kenyatta became victorious in the pre-independent elections and was named Prime Minister of Kenya. By December 1964, Kenya was an established republic with Kenyatta as its first President.
Struggle for Independence – A comprehensive look at Kenya’s history.
In Kenyatta’s first years as President he emphasized the slogan “Harambee” (Swahili for “let’s all pull together”). Over time, his emphasis on compromise between whites and Africans became more and more unpopular. Oginga Odinga, Kenyatta’s once Vice President who left the KAU to form the Kenya People’s Union (KPU), led the opposition. The Luo, Odinga’s ethnic group, who advocated for a socialist state structure, supported this group. The groups’ opposition led to violence but was finally put to rest when Kenyatta banned his rival party and conducted elections in which only KANU could participate. As a result, Kenya became a one-party state, which lasted through Kenyatta’s death in 1978. It wasn’t until 1992 that President Daniel Arap Moi was pushed into the reinstatement of a multiple political party system.
Jomo Kenyatta
- A speech by Jomo Kenyatta about the Mau Mau and the Kenya Africa Union
From 1992 to the present Kenya has conducted democratic, multiparty elections. In December 2002, elections resulted in the peaceful transference of power from the Kenya African Union (KANU) to the National Rainbow Coalition (Narc), a coalition of political parties. Kenya remains today the most dedicated nation on the African continent to maintaining democracy.
Kenya Today- Discusses Kenya today on a variety of subjects.
Independence Struggle - A page about the struggle for independence in Kenya.
Trade routes were established as early as the 1600’s in Kenya. Throughout the 18th and 19th century Kenya’s primary export destinations consisted of Persia, India, and Europe. Today Kenya still exports substantially to Western Europe but the majority of its exports are allocated to other African countries. Kenya’s most abundant exports consist of tea, coffee, horticultural products, and petroleum products. Accordingly, roughly 75% of the work force is engaged in agriculture. Other popular industries include processed food, textiles, glass, and tourism.
Trade Brief
- pdf file outlining the trade regulations in Kenya
Christianity is the majority religion of Kenya at approximately 80% followed by Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Muslim. A small percent observe traditional native beliefs in which a High God and their ancestors are the motivating spiritual forces. Folklore is still popular and used today by means of proverbs and riddles to explain the history of the people. While Kenyans celebrate common religious holidays like Easter, Christmas, and Eid Al-Fitr, they also celebrate Madaraka (self-government day), Independence Day, and Kenyatta Day (in honor of their first President).
Religion and Traditions- A look at Kenyan religions, traditions, and cultures
Although many Kenyans may differ on their definition of a hero, most would name Jomo Kenyatta, their first President, as arguably the most important leader in their fight for independence against Britain. However independence would not have been possible without Dedan Kimathi, the leader of the Mau Mau Rebellion, who was the driving force in the violent combat against the British.
All About Kenya- A look at Kenya and its heroes with photo gallery
Today the country of Kenya is made up of more than 40 different ethnic groups. 97% of the population is of African descent. The main groups consist of the Bantu, the Nilotic people, and Hamitic group. There are over 70 different tribal groups including the Kikuyu, Meru, and Luo. While English is the main language, Swahili is also spoken and taught throughout the country. The people of Kenya have a long history of war and violence, but have fought for their independence and enjoy a cultural and democratic nation today.
Kenya's Culture – A look at the cultures of Kenya
Kenyan People- The people of Kenya from the point of view of the participants in the Kenya Workshop at Miami University