Kenyan History
What the section tests
Kenyan History tests major political and social developments from the pre-colonial period through colonial rule, the independence struggle, and post-independence constitutional change. Expect dates, leaders, documents, and cause-and-effect questions.
Core rules
- The Berlin Conference (1884–85) set rules for European partition of Africa; the Imperial British East Africa Company administered the area before the East Africa Protectorate (1895) and Kenya Colony (1920).
- The Mau Mau struggle led to the State of Emergency in 1952; Dedan Kimathi was captured in 1956.
- The first African elected members joined the Legislative Council in 1957; KANU and KADU were formed in 1960.
- Kenya attained internal self-government on 1 June 1963 (Madaraka Day) and independence on 12 December 1963; it became a republic on 12 December 1964 (Jamhuri Day).
- The repeal of Section 2A in 1991 ended one-party rule and opened the way to multiparty elections in 1992.
Worked example
A question asks for the difference between Madaraka Day and Jamhuri Day. Madaraka Day marks internal self-government on 1 June 1963, when Kenyans took charge of most domestic affairs. Jamhuri Day marks independence on 12 December 1963 and the republic on 12 December 1964. The key is to separate self-rule from full independence and from republican status.
Traps
Do not confuse 1895 with 1920, or independence with the republic. Avoid mixing Mau Mau leaders and later politicians. Remember that the 2010 Constitution replaced the independence Constitution; do not attribute devolution to 1963.