History of Kenya By facebooker_423257881212533 Oct 15, 1459 Vasco de Gama discovers Kenya Period: Apr 19, 1888 to Dec 11, 1963 British Kenya Apr 1, 1940 Wangari Maathai, the tree woman was born Period: Oct 18, 1952 to Dec 5, 1959 Mau Mau uprising Dec 12, 1963 Independence of KENYA Kenya gains independance from Britain. Dec 12, 1964 Jomo Kenyatta elected first president Apr 29, 1977 The Green Belt Movement was foundated by Wangari Aug 22, 1978 Jomo Kenyatta dies Sep 25, 2011 Wangari Maathai dies