The upright man (Australopithecus Anamnesis) is said to have lived in Kenya's Lake Turkana some 4.1 million years ago. Also the Zinjanthripus (also known as the black man) lived in this same region 3.5 million years ago. These discoveries were revealed through the excavation of Fossils in the region between 1989-1989.
Bantu immigrants introduced technology to the country in 200 AD while Arabs, who were then trading in slaves, introduced Islam to the East African region in 700 AD. 750 AD saw the first Swahili settlements along the coastal area.
Human migration brought the Nilotes from the Lake Turkana region to the Kenyan interior between the 10-14 th century. The Nilotes consist of the Maasai, Turkana, Luos, Iteso and the Kalenjin. During the 13 th century, the Bantus divided into two main groups as they migrated towards the central part of Tanzania. This group built their settlements between the Mount Kilimanjaro area and the Indian Ocean. The first group moved towards the north, where they settled and formed the Taveta, Taita and Kamba tribes. The second group moved towards the Indian ocean, and the neighboring hills, settling and forming the famous Mijikenda community', then other group finally moved further towards the west where they settled and formed the Agikuyu, Aembu, Chuka, Tharaka and the Ameru tribes.
The 15 th century would later be classified as the Golden age for the Swahili civilization. During the 15 th and the 17 th century, the Luos migrated from the southern part of Sudan towards Uganda settling around the Lake Victoria region. Thereafter the Luos migrated towards the interior and the Kano area. In 1528, Mombasa experienced its first invasion by the Portuguese. Years later (around 1593), the Portuguese built Fort Jesus in Mombasa.
In the 18 th century, the Maasai migrated from one area to area in search of a settlement, which they later found in the Rift Valley region. Dr. Ludwig Krapf, a German and missionary of the Church Missionary Society of England, established the first Christian mission along the Kenyan coast among the Mijikendas. Years later, in 1883, Joseph Thomson became the first explorer to traverse what was known as the Maasai land.
Towards the end of the 19 th century, the famous Koitalel Arap Samoei, a prophet and leader, would prophecy that a "snake" would tear through Nandi region and spit fire: a theory that would be proven right when the British built Kenya's main railway line. Koitalel Arap Samoei fought against the railway's construction for 10 years. The first railway line was completed in 1901 connecting Mombasa and Kisumu at Lake Victoria.
1 st June 1963 saw Kenya achieved its independence and to date, the day is national holiday marked to celebrate Madaraka (independence). By 12 th December 1963, Kenya became an independent nation. In 1964 it would become a republic with Jomo Kenyatta being her first president. In 1978, Jomo Kenyatta passed away and that paved the way for his first predecessor and the second president of Kenya: Mr. Daniel Arap Moi.
In 1992 the Kenyan constitution was amended to incorporate multi party democracy. In 1997 Kenya celebrates its second multiparty elections with excellent results. Since then Kenya has been steadily climbing up the pluralistic ladder in democracy, setting a remarkable example to the African continent. see more stuff about Kenya and it's safaris in: www.clicksafaris.com
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» left by MJNewell(28) (89 days 1 hour ago.)
Great article..informative and knowledgeable..It's good to hear about a part of Africa that isn't at war ... Respond to this comment
» left by Haj from Madrid (88 days 15 hours ago.)
Dear MJNewll,
Thanks for taking your time to read my article. We are trying to promote all the positive issues about our country, and as such it is important for us to difuse our history so that people can really know where we come from. Kenya is still a great country to visit and everyone visiting this region always looks for a chance to go back. The culture, the animals, the people, evryting is amazing. Do not ever forget to visit this country and take a walk on the wild side, an experience you will never forget as it is simply fabulous.
» left by Anonymous (88 days 15 hours ago.)
I f I ever travel to Africa, I will be sure that I will stay in Kenya..I have watched many National Geographic shows and they are all about Kenya..Beautiful country.. Respond to this comment
» left by Haj from Madrid (88 days 14 hours ago.)
No doubt about that, but let me say thanks for reading my article. I also invite you to visit our clikcksafaris web page to se more. We are working on promoting this very beautiful country so that we can share it's beauty with the world. Thanks once more
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