Around The World
Kenya Timeline
Travel through our timeline of events that have made Kenya what it is today.
6 million B.C.
Early humans appear in East Africa. (Fossils of human ancestors dating from this period have been found in the Rift Valley.)500 B.C. - 1000 A.D.
Bantu-speaking people settle in the region. Bantu is modern Kenya's largest language group. About 700 Arabs settle in coastal Kenya and set up trading posts.1498
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reaches Kenya. Portuguese settlers later try to take control of the coastal region. By the late 1600s, they are driven off.1830-1880
The slave trade flourishes.1895
Britain takes over Kenya. It is known as British East Africa.1940s
Kenyan Africans form groups to fight for independence from Britain. A secret society called the Mau Mau favors violence against white settlers.1952-1956
More than 13,000 people are killed in the Mau Mau rebellion.
ANWAR HUSSEIN—GETTY IMAGES
1963
On December 12, Kenya wins independence from Britain. Jomo Kenyatta becomes Kenya's leader.1978
Kenyatta dies. Vice President Daniel arap Moi begins his long reign as President. In 2002, Mwai Kibaki becomes President.
GIANLUIGI GUERCIA—AFP/GETTY IMAGES
2004
Wangari Maathai wins the Nobel Peace Prize for her work to improve the environment.
CHRISTOPHER FURLONG—AFP/GETTY IMAGES