Kenyan Independence timeline

  • Mau Mau movement is formed.

    Low paying jobs, lack of education and opportunities, and land being taken away leads to public discontent. Members of African tribes make a secret oath to fight for freedom against the British and form the Mau Mau movement.
  • Mau Mau Rebellion starts

    Mau Mau rebellion begins against the British, a state of emergency is declared and thousands die, mainly Africans.
  • Africans on the legistlative council

    Britain allows direct elections of native leaders to the legislative council, and Africans become a majority in it by 1960. This begins a push in the government towards independence.
  • Mau Mau defeated

    Britain begins a brutal campaign against the Mau Mau via execution and hangings, defeats them, and stops the state of emergency. However, during the campaign they recognize that the Kenyans need more rights.
  • Kenya granted independence

    Britain and Africa work towards independence for Kenya on the council. They make a constitution in 1963 and their independence is granted on December 12th.