Early Kenyan Civilizations:

Cushitic language speaking people from northern Africa moved into the area that is now Kenya beginning around 2000 BCE. Arab traders began frequenting the Kenya coast around the 1st century and invited trade and later colonization.Trade led to establishment of commercial posts.

Colonial History:
• 1498 :The Portuguese were the first Europeans to explore the region of current-day Kenya, Vasco da Gama having visited Mombasa.
• The construction of Fort Jesus in Mombasa in 1593 was meant to solidify Portuguese hegemony in the region, but their influence was clipped by the English , Dutch and Omani Arab incursions into the region during the 17th century.
• By1730 time the Portuguese Empire had already lost its interest on the spice trade sea route because of the decreasing profitability of that business.
• 1850-1960: By 1850 European explorers had begun mapping the interior. Zanzibar -become base for trade in East Africa , demand for products of Africa including ivory and cloves. Thirdly, British interest in East Africa was first stimulated by their desire to abolish the slave trade
• In1956: The Mau Mau Rebellion Was Crushed By British.
• In1960: Britain agreed to have a conference with African leaders to discus the future of the colony The state of emergency was lifted.
• 1963: Independence was granted with Jomo Kenyatta as the country’s first
• president
• 1978: President Jomo Kenyatta dies in office, succeeded by Daniel arap Moi.
• 1997: Demonstrations for democratic reform across Kenya. World Bank withholds $5bn or structural adjustment credit.