History of Kenya

Swahili Culture

250

Starting from 500 B.C. to 500 C.E., the Bantu's made up the majority of the population in Kenya. They were responsible for spreading the Swahili culture throughout the country. Swahili people are known for their incredible craft and art skills.Today, as well as back then, Swahili is a prominent and influential culture in Kenya.

Bantu

500

The indigenous people of Kenya are known as the Bantu. They entered the country between 500 BC and 500 CE, and quickly became a large, wealthy and powerful tribe. They have many skills, but were, and still are, known especially for their farming techniques. The Bantu continue to be one of the most important tribes in Kenya today.

Islam

Jan 1, 700

In the eighth century, Islam entered Kenya. Islam was brought in to Kenya through the coast, with the entrance of foreign tradesmen. Islam became an important religion on the Kenyan coast, and eventually spread inward to the rest of the country.

Mombasa

Jan 1, 1100

During the 12th century, one of Kenya's most dominant cities was Mombasa. It was located on the coast of Kenya, along with other cities founded at the same time, such as Malindi. At this time Mombasa was one of the trading capitals of Kenya, partly because of it's convenient coastal location. Mombasa is located in the area once known as Zanj, and was founded by Arabic explorers.

Christianity

Jan 1, 1400

Near the end of the 14th century and the beginning of the 15th century, Christianity began to enter Kenya. Although Christianity entered Africa centuries before, it it was not until this point that the religion entered Kenya. This religion influenced many art forms in Kenya, including the art style creche. Eventually, Christianity became the dominant religion in Kenya.

Entrance of Portugal

Jan 1, 1498

In 1498, Kenya was entered by Portuguese explorers. The exploration was led by Vasco da Gama. The Portuguese were the first outsiders to visit the country. Soon the Portuguese gained control of portions of the country. This was the begining of outside control of Kenya. Many explorers, mostly European, soon followed.

Mau Mau Uprising

Jan 1, 1955

Throughout the 1950s, Kenya suffered from an uprising of a group called Mau Mau. The Mau Mau revolt took place from 1952-1960, and tore the country apart. The Mau Mau group was revolting against British colonialist rule in Kenya, and believed that Kenyans should have control of their own land. The country was soon declared a state of emergency by Britain.

Kenya Gains Independence

Dec 12, 1963

After a long and painful struggle, Kenya finally gained independence on December 12th, 1963. This was a huge victory for the country. Jomo Kenyatta became Kenya's first president 6 years earlier, in 1957, after Kenya's first direct elections for Africans to the legislative council. It was President Kenyatta that played a major role in the road to Kenya's independence.