Kenyan Independence

Formation of British East African Protectorate

Jan 1, 1895

Kenya had been a German protectorate in 1885
- Early struggle with foreign dominance

White settlers move into highlands

Jan 1, 1900

• Railway built from Mombasa to Lake Victoria against the will of local tribes
• Inflow of Indian workers to build railway
• African and Indian workers formed distinct Indian communities (ex.: Ismaili Muslim + Sikh communities)
• Europeans became wealthy farming coffee and tea - Settlers introduced hut and poll taxes and took land, which led Africans to flee to cities and offer free labor

East African Protectorate becomes crown colony of Kenya

Jan 1, 1920

The area is now administered by a British governor.

KAU is formed

Jan 1, 1944

• The Kenyan African Union (KAU) campaigns for African independence
• First African appointment to legislative council

Jomo Kenyatta becomes KAU leader

Jan 1, 1947

Start of Mau Mau campaigns

Jan 1, 1952

• Secret Kikuyu guerrilla group known as Mau Mau begins violent campaign against white settlers
• State of emergency declared
• Kenyatta arrested

KAU is banned

Jan 1, 1953

Kenyatta is charged with management of Mau Mau and jailed

Mau Mau rebellion put down

Jan 1, 1956

Thousands killed - mainly Africans.

Kenyatta released from jail

Jan 1, 1959

But he remains under house arrest.

State of emergency ends

Jan 1, 1960

• Britain announces plans to prepare Kenya for majority African rule. -- Kenya African national Union (KANU) formed by Tom Mboya and Oginga Odinga.

Kenyatta assumes presidency of KANU

Jan 1, 1961

Kenyatta ia finally freed.

Kenya gains independence

Jan 1, 1963

Kenyatta becomes prime minister.

Republic of Kenya formed

Jan 1, 1964

Kenyatta becomes president and Odinga vice-president.