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::: HISTORY
Kenya's history dates back 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. According to archeological
finds in various parts of the country, the
prehistoric period falls under two categories;
the Stone Age period which dates from about
2 million years ago and Neolithic period
from about 10,000 to 2,000 years ago. Evidence
of early man's occupation including tools,
the iron-age through the pre-colonial period
and up to the present time is wide spread
in sites in Kenya. Documented history on
occupation of Kenya between this early period
and the 19th century when the British colonized
the country is not specific. However, it
is clear that Islamic immigrants started
selling at the coast during the 8th Century
and followed by the 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 into Kenya.
The colonization process was met with resistance,
which was countered with excessive force.
Hence, most of Kenyas 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 independence
eleven (11) years later. 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, the Legislative Council (LEGCO) had
an Africa Majority. In 1960, Kenya African
National Union (KANU) which advocated for
a unitary government was formed and in 1961,
Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU) which
advocated a quasi-federal government (Majimbo)
was formed.
The first full franchise General Elections
were held in May, 1963, with KANU the winner.
On 1st June 1963, Kenya attained
internal self-government. On December 12th
of the same year, she attained full independence.
On the first anniversary of independence
in 1964, Kenya became a Republic with Mzee
Jomo Kenyatta as the First President. Upon
his death on August 22, 1978, Hon. Daniel,
Toroitich Arap Moi assumed the Presidency
in accordance with the Kenyan Constitution.
Kenya has conducted regular elections every
five years since independence. The country
returned to a multi-party political system
in 1992.
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