1. Home
  2. Education
  3. African History
Home to indigenous Bantu and Nilo-Saharan speaking peoples, the region was colonized by Arab traders from the 10th century and by the British in 1895. The route to independence was marked by the violent struggle of the Mau Mau Rebellion in the 1950s which resulted in the British authorities declaring a State of Emergency. Independence was achieved in 1965, and a republic was declared in 1964.
A Brief History of Kenya
An introduction to the history of Kenya from the time of early humans to the present day.
Kenya Timeline -- Part 1: Prehistory to Independence
A Chronology of Key Events in Kenya -- Prehistory to Independence.
Kenya Timeline -- Part 2: Independence to Present Day
A Chronology of Key Events in Kenya -- Independence to Present Day.
Timeline: Mau Mau Rebellion
The Mau Mau were a militant African nationalist movement active in Kenya during the 1950s whose main aim was to remove British rule and European settlers from the country.
Kenyan Leaders Since Independence
Kenya has had only three presidents since gaining independence. Both Jomo Kenyatta and his successor Daniel arap Moi represented the Kenya African National Union, KANU, whilst the most recent incumbent, Mwai Kibaki, won a majority with the National Rainbow Coalition, NaRC.
Major Ethnic Groups of Kenya
Maps showing the locations of major ethnic groups in Kenya.
Background Notes: Kenya
A useful potted history is included with these US Department of State Background Notes on Kenya. Also included is a range of political, economic, and geographical data, as well as information on its people, defence, and relations with the US.
Kenyan History from Lonely Planet
A quirky, colloquial presentation of Kenya’s history presented by LonelyPlanet.com. Makes awfully good reading and may galvanise your interest in Africa’s regional history. Not only suitable for travellers.
Kenya - a Country Profile from the BBC
An extremely brief historical overview accompanies this BBC Country Profile of Kenya. Of particular interest are the simplified regional map (see where the country is in Africa), a photograph of Kenya’s current Chief of State, and details about the countries media.
Timeline for Kenya from the BBC
A chronology of important events in the history of Kenya given by year (and for more recent events by month also).
CIA World Fact Book: Kenya
A useful map and a range of geographical, political, and economic facts which are mostly up-to-date. Unfortunately this country profile lacks historical information (except for independence date), but the population statistics are probably the best available.
Kenya's Chief of State and Cabinet Ministers
Updated weekly, this list of Kenya's Chief of State and Cabinet Ministers is provided by the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States of America.
Kenya: Amnesty annual report, 2003
Amnesty International report on human rights violations and media restrictions in Kenya.
News and Current Affairs in Kenya from Alertnet
As well as the usual Country Profile information available on the web, AlertNet offers up to date news headlines about humanitarian efforts and crises in Kenya.

Explore African History

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. African History
  4. Country History by Region
  5. East Africa
  6. Kenya

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.