Facts Kenya, Part I



 ·           Independence Kenya & Jomo Kenyatta

Kenya celebrated becoming an independent country in 1964. Jomo Kenyatta became the first Kenyan president forming a government slightly before Independence on the 12th of December 1963. The Late President Jomo Kenyatta is widely known as the father of Independent Kenya. The first Kenyan constitution was also formed the same day.

 ·          Daniel arap Moi Upon appointment to presidency after the death of President Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi went around the country visiting all the rural areas of Kenya. He introduced free milk for all pupils and ensured the release of all individuals previously arrested for political reasons. He also abolished the land buying companies which were mostly owned by the country’s previous colonisers. President Daniel arap Moi ruled Kenya for 24years but was constitutionally barred from running in the 2002 elections.

 ·          Mwai Kibaki President Mwai Kibaki came into power in December of 2002, becoming Kenya’s third president. The opposition party and several tribal groups felt cheated and as a result post-election violence ensued where many Kenyans were killed, others were injured and still others were displaced from their homes. To resolve the issue, the ruling party led by the President and the opposition leader Raila Odinga agreed to power sharing. A coalition government was formed and several new positions were introduced where Odinga was named the first prime minister of Kenya with Mwai Kibaki remaining as the president of the country.

President Mwai Kibaki’s chief achievement during his reign was the introduction of free primary education which doubled the enrolment of students in primary schools particularly in rural areas and the slums. President Mwai Kibaki is also responsible for the reconstruction of Thika road which is now known as Thika Super Highway. (Images of the Super Highway can be viewed in the photo section of this page.)



