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500
Roots of Kiswahili
With the new wave of Bantu immigrants to Kenya in the 500%u2019s came their language-Bantu. Bantu quickly became Kiswahili-a mixture of Bantu and Arabic-when the very earliest Arab settlers came to Kenya and both groups needed a way to communicate. Kiswahili, also known as Swahili, continues to be spoken throughout all of Kenya as well as other East-African countries. In fact, along with English, it is one of Kenya%u2019s two official languages. Pictured left is a Kiswahili-speaking Bantu woman. -
500
Bantu People
Bantu is a collection of East-African tribes including the Kikuyu, Kamba, and Luhya. The Bantu migrated to Kenya in the early 6th century, making them the earliest known human beings in the area. Today, men and women of the Bantu tribe Kikuyu make up almost a quarter of the entire Kenyan population. Although most Kikuyu tribesmen have adapted a Western style of life and have left behind their ancestor%u2019s lifestyle, a few still follow traditional Bantu customs. (shown in photo to the left) -
Jan 1, 600
Islam
In the early seventh century, Arab traders began to explore and settle Kenya because of its location on their trade route. With the Arab people came their religion-Islam. Islam continues to be present in the Kenya's current day society, representing about 10% of all Kenyans. Shown to the left is a modern day mosque called the Jamia Mosque, located in Kenya's capital, Nairobi. -
Jan 1, 1000
The Massai People
About one thousand years ago, in the eleventh century, the earliest Massai people migrated to Kenya from the area that is now Sudan. Although small in number, the Massai have maintained their reputation as fierce warriors and have remained a prominent East-African tribe. Unlike other tribes belonging to the Nilotic group, they have "ignored" the modernization of Kenya and continue to follow the traditional culture and lifestyle of their ancestors. Pictured left is a modern day Massai girl. -
The Kanga
The Kanga, also known as %u201Cthe festival cloth%u201D, is a traditional garment worn by women throughout Kenya. This bright, rectangular, cotton cloth has changed slightly since its creation in 1860. Originally, the kanga was made from six black and white handkerchiefs, but now it is a single piece of cotton, elaborately printed with patterns and vibrant colors. To some women, the kanga is an important part of their culture and life; it is worn as a wedding dress and as apparel during their burial. -
Kenya Railway
The construction of the Kenya Railway in 1895 played, and continues to play, a major role in Kenya's movement towards a modernized country. This railroad runs from the Indian Ocean shores of Kenya to the Ugandan banks of Lake Victoria, making the transportation of goods inland much easier. Not only does this railway connect Kenya internally, it also connects it externally with other trading nations. -
Kenyatta Day
In 1946, Jomo Kenyatta returned to his country a hero after he pressured the British authorities in London to give Kenyans more say in their government. He was later arrested in 1952 by British colonial forces due to his suspected involvement in a rebellion against British rule. Because his date of birth is unknown, Kenyatta%u2019s arrest rather than his birthday continues to be celebrated as a symbol of one man's importance in the struggle for independence. -
Madaraka Day
Madaraka Day is one of the three main historic celebrations, along with Uhuru Day and Kenyatta Day. Madaraka Day is a celebration of the day June 1, 1963, on which Kenya achieved a self-government. Today, this anniversary is celebrated by honoring the military. The "Guard of Honor", a special division of the Kenyan military, is presented publicly to the president (shown in photograph to the left), and thousands of people come to watch the union of their president and their military.
