Kenya History Starts in the Pre-Historic Era!Kenya history is a comprehensive lesson in early human civilization, colonization, rebellion, independence and continuing liberation struggles. Cradle of HumankindKenya is regarded by many archaeologists to be the "cradle of humankind" owing to discoveries, over the last few decades, of the remains of our ancestors who lived well over 4 million years ago near Lake Turkana in Northern Kenya and Tugen Hills in the Rift Valley.Early HistoryCushitic-speaking people from northern Africa migrated into Kenya about 4 millennia ago while Nilotic and Bantu peoples – who now account for three-quarters of the country's population - migrated here from West Africa and the Nile Valley.Arab traders began arriving at the Kenyan coast around the 1st century AD and colonized the coast although this was interrupted by Portuguese occupation that began in the sixteenth century and abruptly came to an end in 1698 following defeat by the Omani Arabs. The canons used in these battles that spanned several centuries continue to occupy strategic locations in Fort Jesus in Mombasa.
Colonial EraThe colonial era was a dramatic phase of Kenya history.British colonial rule formally began in 1895 and lasted until December 12, 1963 when the country attained independence following the protracted Mau Mau rebellion. Jomo Kenyatta from the Kikuyu tribe, which is the largest in Kenya, became the country's first Prime Minister and had the privilege of hoisting Kenya's flag for the very first time ...
and a year later, became its first president when the country became a republic. Contemporary HistoryThe contemporary phase of Kenya history marks the period 1982 to date.Daniel arap Moi took over the reigns of power upon Kenyatta's death in 1978 and in 1982, Kenya then became a one-party state following amendment of the constitution. Although this offending provision was repealed in 1991, paving the way for multi-party elections to be held in 1992, Moi retained power in these and the 1997 elections. Barred from standing for office by the 2-term constitutional limit, a coalition of opposition parties headed by Mwai Kibaki handed Moi's protégée Uhuru Kenyatta a humiliating defeat. This Kibaki government was credited with rejuvenating the economy and introducing the free primary education program that led to a dramatic increase in school enrollment rates. The results of the December 2007 general elections – which pollsters had dubbed "too close to call" – were disputed, sparking off violence in parts of the country. A peace accord between the protagonists, Mawi Kibaki and Raila Odinga, was successfully brokered by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and led to formation of the "Grand Coalition" government. Kibaki remains President and Odinga holds the recreated position of Prime Minister. Normalcy has returned and the economy is projected to grow by 5 percent this year.
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