PERIOD IPERIOD IIPERIOD IIIPERIOD IVI. ANCIENT TIMES - (1400)I. ANCIENT TIMES - (1400 AD)II. CHINA, ARAB AND EUROPEAN CONTACT (1400 - 1895)III. BRITISH RULE AND RESISTANCE (1895 - 1963)III. BRITISH RULE AND RESISTANCE (1895 - 1963)1400s1500s1600s1700s1800sIV. POST-INDEPENDENCE TO PRESENT (1963 - PRESENT)14981900s1920s1940s1950s1960sII. CHINA, ARAB AND EUROPEAN CONTACT (1400 - 1895)1970s1980sTimeline of Kenyahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Timeline_of_Kenya1430sMing Admiral Zheng reaches Malindi on the East African coast, initiates a period of regular commerce between the Swahili city-states on the east African coast and China.1593 Fort Jesus built in Mombasa by the Portuguese to assert control.1990s1844 Arrival of Johann Ludwig Krapf and Johannes Rebmann (German missionaries) near Mombasa; introduction of Christianity inland.1885 German government proclaims African Great Lakes region as their "Protectorate."Britain and Germany agree to a treaty for control over mainland areas.1886 1890 - 1895
British East Africa Company (BEAC) develops commercial interests in Kenya. The British government later steps in and establishes a "Protectorate."1698 Seige of Mombasa - Omani Arabs expel the Portuguese from Mombasa.1982 Failed military coup; Kenya becomes a de jure one-party state.1902- 1920 White settlers begin settling in the fertile central highlands; massive land alienation begins. Kenya's capital shifts from Mombasa to Nairobi in 1905.
Early resistance to British domination begins led by Mekatilili Wa Menza (1860s-1924), a female Kenyan independence activist.1913 - 1915 PERIOD IV ExtendedJuly 23, 1920 British East Africa is transformed into a British Crown colony in 1920, marking more aggressive settler colonialism.1921-1922 Formation of Young Kikuyu Association, later becoming the East African Association. Emergence of Harry Thuku, and his exile 1922-1931.Kikuyu Central Association forms; Harry Thuku returns from exile: Jomo Kenyatta appears as a rising activist.1924 - 1940 ANCIENT TIMES -1400 AD1400 - 18951895 - 1963Rise of underground armed resistance fed up with "talks." The Kenya Land and Freedom Army forms (KLFA), led by Dedan Kimathi and Stanley Mathenge, and others. 1947–1952 1939-1945Kenyans recruited to fight in the British Army for WW 2. Dedan Kimathi is recruited and sent to Burma.1940'sGrowing frustration with land policies, labor exploitation, and lack of African representation.Formation of Kenya African Union (KAU).1944 1947 Jomo Kenyatta becomes president of KAU in 1947.Dedan Kimathi captured in 1956 and executed in 1957. Mukami Kimathi also arrested in 1956.1956-571950s Villagization: British forcibly move millions of Kenyans off their land and into “Villages” or “reserves.” 1952 British declare a State of Emergency; thousands are indiscriminately arrested and detained in concentration camps around the country. KAU is banned and Kenyatta and 5 other leaders are arrested and imprisoned.Construction of a vast network of concentration camps and work camps, to isolate and punish anyone suspected of sympathizing or being a member of Mau Mau. 1952-59 1953
Dedan Kimathi, a key KFLA/Mau Mau commander, captures popular imagination.1960-62 Kenyatta is released from prison in 1961 and invited to participate in the Lancaster House Conferences held; Kenyan leaders negotiate independence. Kenyatta agrees to key British demands regarding handing over of power. 1963 Kenya gains independence; Jomo Kenyatta becomes Prime Minister, later President.Kenyatta denounces and bans the Mau Mau.1963 Elections marked by ethnic violence and land grievances.1992, 19971963 - PRESENT1963 - PRESENT ExtendedClick white date buttons, then click bold text in timeline to learn more about each event.1978 President Kenyatta dies; succeeded by Daniel arap Moi.IV. POST-INDEPENDENCE TO PRESENT (1963 - PRESENT)Ming Admiral Zheng reaches Malindi on the East African coast, initiates a period of regular commerce between the Swahili city-states on the east African coast and China.2000s2010s2020sPortuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrives at the Kenyan coast (Malindi).1991Reintroduction of multiparty democracy after protests and donor pressure.2002 Mwai Kibaki wins presidency, ending 24 years of Moi rule.2004 Kibaki declares the ban on Mau Mau is lifted. Statue of Dedan Kimathi completed.2007 2010 New Constitution passes, with major land reforms and rights.2009-12Mau Mau veterans win legal battle against UK government. UK government settles out of court and issues apology without admitting guilt. Uhuru Kenyatta, Jomo Kenyatta's eldest son, becomes President.2013 2022William Ruto elected President.Mukami Kimathi dies and is given a State Burial. 2023 – present1729–1830s Omani Arab rule consolidates, facilitating trade.
