|
| KENYA : History |
 |
Kenya's history dates to the Stone Age, making Kenya one of the countries in the world that possesses the largest and most complete record of man's cultural development. This is partly because of the country's rich variety of environmental factors conducive to |
human survival
and development. According to archeological finds in various parts of
the country, the prehistoric period can best be described under two
categories; the Stone Age period which dates from about 2 million years
ago and Neolithic period from about 10,000 to 2000 years ago. Available
evidence indicates that man left behind traces of his occupation during
the iron age through the pre-colonial period and up to the present time.
The phases of the various periods are characterized by tools ranging
from crude to advanced much smaller ones and relevant to the respective
lifestyles. The sites for the tools are widespread in Kenya.
History is however not specific on the exact type of inhabitants who
occupied Kenya between this early period and the 19th century when the
British colonized the country. Islamic immigrants started setting at the
coast during the 8th Century. Portuguese followed and are among the
first known European settlers along the coast. Up to the 19th Century,
very little was known of the Kenyan hinterland until the arrival of the
British who came and colonized Kenya.
The colonization process was met with resistance which was countered
with excessive force. Hence, most of Kenya's modern history is marked by
rebellions against the British, with the first one being in 1890 and the
last one, known as Mau Mau rebellion in 1952. The outbreak of the Mau
Mau paved the way for constitutional reforms and development in
subsequent years. In 1955, a myriad of political parties were formed all
over the country after the colonial Government yielded to their
formation. Elections were held in March 1957, after which racial
barriers in the Government began to be lifted. By 1960, LEGCO had an
African majority. In 1960, Kenya African National Union (KANU), which
advocated for a unitary government was formed. In 1961, Kenya African
Democratic Union (KADU) which advocated a quasi-federal government (Majimbo)
was also formed.
The first full franchise General Elections were held in May 1963 and
KANU emerged the winner. In June 1963, Kenya attained internal
self-government. On December 12th of the same year, independence was
achieved with a complex Majimbo constitution which conceded much
autonomy to the regions. On the first anniversary of independence in
1964, Kenya became a Republic with Mzee Jomo Kenyatta as the President.
Following his death on August 22, 1978, Hon. Daniel arap Moi assumed the
Presidency in accordance with the Kenyan Constitution. He ruled Kenya
for 25 years. Following a general election held in 2002, Hon. Mwai
Kibaki, the third President of the Republic of Kenya took office on 30th
December 2002.
|
| Source
: Website of the Embassy of Kenya in Washington DC
|
| Vital Statistics |
| Full Country Name |
Republic of Kenya |
| Capital |
Nairobi |
| National Day |
Independence Day, 12 December |
| Area |
582,650 sq km |
| Population |
33,829,590 |
| Language |
English (official), Kiswahili (official),
numerous
indigenous languages
|
| Religion |
Protestant, Roman Catholic, indigenous
beliefs, Muslim, others |
| Currency |
Kenyan shilling (KES) |
| GDP with Growth Rate |
2.2% (2004 est.) |
| GDP per capita |
$1,100 (2004 est.) |
| Inflation rate (consumer prices) |
9% (2004 est.) |
| Major Industries |
small-scale consumer goods (plastic,
furniture, batteries,
textiles, soap, cigarettes, flour), agricultural products;
oil refining, aluminum, steel, lead, cement; commercial
ship repair, tourism |
| Major Trading partners |
UAE, Netherlands, Pakistan, Egypt, Tanzania,
Saudi Arabia,
South Africa, US, UK, China, Japan, India, Uganda |
| Trade Information |
a) Major Export Products
tea, horticultural products, coffee, petroleum products,
fish, cement
b) Major Import Products
machinery and transportation equipment, petroleum products,
motor vehicles, iron and steel, resins and plastics |
|
