Timeline of Kenya’s Journey from Independence to Present Day
On June 1st 1963, Kenya attained internal self-rule from British colonial rule, marking the end of nearly 70 years of colonial domination. Jomo Kenyatta, a prominent leader of the independence movement, became the Prime Minister that year, ushering in a new era of self-governance.
On December 12, 1964, Kenya became a republic with Jomo Kenyatta as its first President. This transition marked the establishment of a fully sovereign state, and the country adopted a new constitution to reflect its republican status.
Sessional Paper No. 10 on African Socialismwas introduced in 1965 by Tom Mboya. The Sessional Paper laid out the government’s socio-economic policies. It emphasized social equity, nationalization of key industries, and the role of the state in economic planning, aiming to foster rapid development and reduce inequalities.
Tom Mboya, a key political leader and economic architect, was assassinated on July 5, 1969. His death was a significant blow to the nation, leading to political tension and uncertainty. Mboya’s assassination highlighted the deep-seated political rivalries and challenges within the young nation.
President Jomo Kenyatta died on August 22, 1978. Daniel arap Moi, then Vice-President, succeeded him, marking the beginning of a 24-year presidency. Moi’s era was characterized by both consolidation of power and efforts towards national unity under the philosophy of Nyayo (footsteps of peace, love, and unity).
On August 1, 1982, there was an attempted coup by a section of the Kenya Air Force. The coup was quickly quashed, but it led to significant political repression and the declaration of Kenya as a de jure one-party state. The event underscored the political volatility and challenges to Moi’s leadership.
Under both internal and external pressure, President Moi agreed to the reintroduction of multi-party politics in December 1991, ending the single-party rule. This significant political shift paved the way for greater democratic participation and competition in subsequent elections.
In the December 2002 elections, Mwai Kibaki was elected President, ending Daniel Arap Moi’s 24-year rule. Kibaki’s presidency marked a new chapter with promises of economic reform, anti-corruption measures, and infrastructural development.
The disputed presidential election in December 2007 led to widespread violence in Kenya, resulting in over 1,000 deaths and the displacement of thousands. International mediation led by Kofi Annan resulted in the formation of a Grand Coalition Government in 2008, with Kibaki as President and Raila Odinga as Prime Minister.
On August 27, 2010, Kenya adopted a new constitution, heralding significant political and administrative reforms. The new constitution introduced devolved government structures, a strengthened bill of rights, and measures to enhance checks and balances in governance.
Uhuru Kenyatta, son of the first President Jomo Kenyatta, was elected President in March 2013. His administration focused on infrastructural development, economic growth, and combating terrorism, despite facing charges at the International Criminal Court, which were later dropped.
In the August 2022 general elections, Dr. William Ruto was elected President. His presidency marked a significant political shift, emphasizing “bottom-up” economic policies aimed at empowering the marginalized and focusing on grassroots development.