Jomo Kenyatta

  • His Birth

    Kenyatta was born with the name Kamau in the village of Ngenda. Birth records were not then kept among the Kikuyu, and Kenyatta's date of birth is not known.
  • Period: to

    Jomo Kenyatta

  • Successful Surgery at Church of Scotland Mission

    About age 10 Kamau became seriously ill with jigger infections in his feet and one leg, and he underwent successful surgery at a newly established Church of Scotland mission.
  • Time in Europe

    In 1929, Kenyatta traveled to London, England, to study at the London School of Economics (LSE) and became involved in various Pan-African and anti-colonial activities.
  • His book is published

    Kenyatta's book, 'Facing Mount Kenya,' is published, exploring the traditions and customs of the Kikuyu people.
  • Secretary of the KAU

    1946: Kenyatta becomes the General Secretary of the Kenya African Union (KAU), advocating for the rights of Africans in Kenya.
  • Arrest for involvement with the Mau Mau

    1952: Kenyatta is arrested by British authorities for alleged involvement in the Mau Mau uprising and is imprisoned for almost nine years.
  • Released from prison

    Kenyatta is released from prison due to changing political circumstances and begins negotiations with the British government on Kenya's independence.
  • Kenya's Independence

    Kenya gains independence from British colonial rule on December 12, and Kenyatta becomes the country's first Prime Minister.
  • Kenya is a Republic

    Kenya becomes a republic, and Kenyatta assumes the position of President.
  • Chairman of the OAU

    Kenyatta serves as the Chairman of the Organization of African Unity (OAU)
  • His death

    Jomo Kenyatta passes away on August 22 in Mombasa, Kenya.