A Brief History of Kenya

Ancient history

• 2.6 million years ago: Prehistoric evidence suggests that the region now known as Kenya has been inhabited by humans for millions of years. The Oldowan industry in Koobi Fora, dating back to 2.6 million years ago, is among the earliest evidence of hominin tool use. By 1.2 million years ago, the Acheulean handaxe culture had developed in Olorgesailie.
• Around 40,000 years ago: Advanced Stone Age technology and long-distance trade were established, as evidenced by findings in Olorgesailie, Southern Kenya.
• 3300 BCE: The Savanna Pastoral Neolithic culture, characterised by pastoralism and stone cairns, spread across East Africa.
• Around 1000 BCE: Bantu-speaking communities began migrating to Kenya from West Africa, bringing agriculture and ironworking skills.

Arab and Portuguese influence

• 1st century CE: Arab traders established trade routes along the East African coast, encouraging the growth of prosperous coastal city-states like Mombasa and Pate. The blending of Arab and African cultures led to the development of Swahili culture, language, architecture, and social structures.
• Arab traders engaged in the capture, transport, and sale of enslaved Africans, driven by demand for labour and concubines in Arab-dominated regions.
• 1498: The arrival of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama marked the beginning of European contact with Kenya. Portuguese influence in the coastal region increased, leading to the establishment of Fort Jesus in Mombasa in 1593.
• 17th century: The Omani Arabs overthrew the Portuguese and gained control over the coastal trade routes, establishing the Sultanate of Oman in Zanzibar. They continued to influence the region, engaging in trade and expanding their influence inland.
• 19th century: The growth of clove plantations in Zanzibar under Sultan Seyyid Said drove demand for enslaved people from the mainland.

British colonisation

• Late 19th century: European explorers, primarily from Britain, started venturing into the interior of Kenya, motivated by the desire to find the source of the Nile and to exploit the region's resources. The British established a presence on the Kenyan coast by signing treaties with coastal leaders that gave them control over trade and administration.
• 1888: The British East Africa Company was formed to oversee British interests in the region. In 1889, it acquired a royal charter, leading to the establishment of the East Africa Protectorate.
• 1890–1905: The Nandi resistance, led by Koitalel Arap Samoei, fiercely opposed the construction of the Uganda Railway and British land encroachments. Koitalel's assassination in 1905 marked a turning point in the suppression of Nandi resistance.
• 1895: The protectorate was renamed the British East Africa Protectorate and came under direct British administration. The capital was established in Nairobi in 1899.
  • British colonisation brought significant changes to Kenya. The British implemented policies that significantly disrupted local economies.
  • They introduced cash crops like coffee and tea, displacing indigenous communities from fertile lands to create large-scale settler farms. This shift from subsistence farming to cash crop production altered traditional land use and labour practices.
  • Forced labour and heavy taxation imposed by the colonial administration further strained local economies and social structures.
• 1903: The completion of the Ugandan Railway was pivotal in the colonisation of Kenya.
• 1909: The East African slave trade declined significantly due to multiple factors. British naval patrols in the Indian Ocean intercepted slave ships, while treaties with local leaders sought to curtail the trade. Slavery was officially abolished in East Africa.
• 1912–1915: Many indigenous communities resisted British rule, leading to sporadic conflicts and uprisings. A notable example is the Giriama rebellion led by Mekatilili Wa Menza.
• 1914–1918: During World War I, Kenyan soldiers, known as the Carrier Corps, fought alongside the British forces in East Africa against German colonial forces. Approximately 45,000 Kenyan Africans perished in the campaign.
• 1920: The British East Africa Protectorate was transformed into the Kenya Colony, administered directly by the British government. Sir Edward Northey became the first governor.
  • The colonial period was marked by racial segregation and discrimination, with the white settlers enjoying privileged status and access to land, while the African majority faced various forms of oppression. The Young Kikuyu Association, started by Harry Thuku in 1920, was among the early nationalist movements.
• 1940s–1950s: The nationalist movement gained momentum, led by figures like Jomo Kenyatta and the Mau Mau rebellion against British colonial rule. The Mau Mau uprising in 1952 was a violent struggle for land and freedom, resulting in significant casualties and repression.

Independence

• 1963: Kenya achieved independence on December 12, with Jomo Kenyatta becoming the country's first Prime Minister and later President.
• 1964: Kenya became a republic, and Jomo Kenyatta continued to serve as the President.
  • Upon achieving independence, the new government faced the daunting task of land redistribution to address historical injustices. The 'Million Acre Settlement Scheme' was initiated to buy back land from European settlers and redistribute it to African farmers.
  • The government embarked on nation-building efforts, focusing on unifying the diverse ethnic groups and fostering a sense of national identity. This included establishing national institutions, developing infrastructure and implementing educational reforms.
• 1970s–1980s: Kenya experienced political and economic turbulence, including widespread corruption and economic decline.
• 1978: Jomo Kenyatta passed away, and Daniel arap Moi succeeded him as the President.
  • Moi's rule was characterised by authoritarianism, repression of dissent, and political instability. The assassination of Josiah Mwangi Kariuki in 1975 and the attempted coup in 1982 were significant events during his tenure.
• 1990s: Kenya underwent a period of political liberalisation, and multi-party democracy was reintroduced. The repeal of Section 2A of the constitution in 1991 marked a pivotal moment in this transition.

21st-century developments

• 2002: Moi's 24-year rule ended when Mwai Kibaki was elected President in a peaceful transition of power. Kibaki's presidency focused on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and the fight against corruption.
• 2007: A disputed presidential election led to widespread violence and ethnic clashes, resulting in the loss of many lives and the displacement of thousands of people. Kibaki was re-elected amidst controversy, but a power-sharing agreement was later reached with the opposition leader, Raila Odinga.
• 2010: Kenya adopted a new constitution following a referendum. This was a significant step towards national reconciliation and political stability.
• 2013: Uhuru Kenyatta, the son of Jomo Kenyatta, was elected President, becoming the youngest President in Kenya's history. His presidency focused on infrastructure development, economic growth, and regional integration. Kenyatta's administration faced criticism for corruption, inequality and human rights concerns.
• Kenya has faced significant security challenges, including the Westgate Mall attack in 2013 and the Garissa University attack in 2015, both perpetrated by the extremist group Al-Shabab.
• 2017: Kenyatta was re-elected for a second term, but the opposition disputed the results, leading to political tensions and protests. The Supreme Court annulled the initial election results, and a second election was held, which Kenyatta won.
• 2018: The handshake between Kenyatta and Raila Odinga marked a significant moment of political reconciliation. This agreement aimed to address longstanding political and ethnic divisions.
• 2022: William Ruto was elected as the 5th President of Kenya, promising to address economic challenges and promote national unity.