CHRONOLOGY OF 137 YEARS OF EVENTS IN KENYA

By Pravin Bowry

It is 137 years since the British Government granted the Imperial British East Africa Company (IBEAC) the Royal Charter to administer territories of East Africa on behalf of the British Crown.

A chronology of historical events since then is necessary to put the main developments in their rightful perspective. It is hoped that the annexed list of chronological events will interest and intrigue historians, politicians, lawyers and law students.

CHRONOLOGY OF 137 YEARS OF HISTORICAL EVENTS IN THE KENYA

YEAR	EVENT/S
1888	The British Government granted the Imperial British East Africa Company (IBEAC) the Royal Charter to administer and develop territories in East Africa on behalf of the British Crown.
1895	Kenya declared a British Protectorate by the East Africa Order in Council.
1896	Construction of Kenya-Uganda Railway begun.
1897	East Africa Order in Council introduced the British Common Law, Doctrines of Equity and Statutes of General Application in Kenya.Introduction of the Indian Contract Act,1872 Introduction of the Indian Penal Code, 1860Establishment of First Court in Mombasa
1896	Indian Rupee adopted as the Official Currency of the British East Africa Protectorate.
1901	Completion of Construction of Kenya – Uganda Railway
1902	Introduction of Hut and Poll taxesIntroduction of the Crown Land Ordinance of 1902 allowing lease of Land to Europeans for a period of 99 years.The Protectorate Ordinance of 1902 expanded the Court System across Kenya.The Native Court Ordinance formally established Native court systems in Kenya
1903	Crown Land Ordinance of 1902 took effect.Establishment of the Legislative Council (LEGCO)
1904	British Colonial Government signed the First Maasai Agreement (1904) forcibly alienating them off their fertile Land.
1905	Nairobi was officially declared the capital of British East Africa Protectorate replacing Mombasa.
1911	British Colonial Government signed the Second Maasai Agreement (1911) further alienating the Maasai off their Lands
1913	British Government passed the first Land Bill Indian Community brought by the British demanded political Representation in the LEGCO
1914	Outbreak of World War 1Establishment of the Kings African Rifle that recruited Africans to fight the war.Formation of the Kenya Indian Congress byA.M. Jeevanjee, Manila Desai, Allidina Visram and Makhan Singh
1915	Amendment of the Crown Land Ordinance extending the lease terms to 999 years for European Settlers.
1916	Enactment of the Native Tribunal Ordinance which controlled African Legal Matters under British Oversight
1917	Enactment of the Forced Labour Ordinance which legalized compulsory African labour for European farms.
1919	Establishment of Soldier’s Resettlement Scheme which gave British War Veterans LandHarry Thuku founded the East African Association (1919)
1920	Kenya Officially became a British Colony through the Kenya Colony and Protectorate Order.Introduction of the Kipande System through the enforcement of the Natives Registration Ordinance (1915)The East African Shilling was adopted as the Kenyan Currency
1921	Formation of the Young Kikuyu Association by Harry Thuku, opposing the Kipande System, High Taxes & Land Alienation.Native Registration Ordinance of 1915 was amended to strengthen Kipande system.East African Shilling was introduced as the Kenyan currency by the East African Currency Board.
1922	Arrest and Detainment of Harry Thuku The First African Protest with Africans Gathering at Central Police Station.Formation of the East African Indian National Congress to fight for Equal RightsFormation of Kavirondo Taxpayers Welfare Association by John Owalo and Jonathan OkwiriFormation of Ukamba Members Association by Samuel Muindi Mbingu
1923	Declaration of the Devonshire White Paper
1924	Formation of Kikuyu Central Organization by Joseph Kang’ethe and James BeauttahVithalbhai Jhaveri was official nominated Indian Representative in the LEGCOEstablishment of Kikuyu Independent Schools Association.
1925	The Wage Ordinance introduced Minimum Wage for Africans
1926	Formation of Kikuyu Central AssociationJomo Kenyatta joined KCA and became its General SecretaryThe Native Tribunal Ordinance was introduced to reorganize African customary courts and bring them under colonial Administration.
1927	The Hilton Young Commission was set up to Investigate the potential Federation of Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika
1928	Jomo Kenyatta became the editor of the News Paper Muigithania
1929	Jomo Kenyatta travelled to London to represent the KCA and present African grievances to the British Government.Formation of the Kikuyu Independent Schools Association.The Great Depression ensued leading to worsened economic conditions.
1930	Harry Thuku was released from prison
1931	Jomo Kenyatta travelled to London for the second time to petition the British Government over Land grievances and forced labor.
1932	Establishment of the Carter Land Commission, to investigate and address the growing Land grievances among the Kikuyu
1934	Establishment of the Highlands Board to regulate land in the White Highlands.Jomo Kenyatta enrolled to the University College London
1935	Kenya Indian Congress demanded more representation in the LEGCOFormation of the Kikuyu Land Board Association to address land grievances among the Kikuyu
1937	The Chief’s Authority Act was enacted by the colonial government to ban political gatherings by Africans.
1938	Jomo Kenyatta published the book ‘Facing Mount Kenya’.
1939	Formation of Dini ya Msambwa by Elijah MasindeOutbreak of World War IIAfricans were recruited in the King’s African Rifles to fight World War II.
1940	Formation of the Kenya African Study Union (KASU) by James Gichuru
1944	KASU renamed to Kenya African Union (KAU) with James Gichuru as its first PresidentEliud Mathu became the first African member of the LEGCO
1946	Jomo Kenyatta returned to Kenya and joined KAU
1947	James Gichuru stepped down as the president of KAU to allow Jomo Kenyatta to lead the organization.The Colonial government banned large KAU meetings in Nairobi and Central Kenya
1948	Formation of the East African Trade Union Congress (EATUC) led by Makhan SignhEnactment of the Public Order Ordinance which restricted political gatheringsThe Colonial government accepted Kenya African Union (KAU) as a legal political party, but closely monitored its activities
1949	Markhan Singh was arrested for organizing labour strikes
1950	The Colonial Government banned KAU for its growing influence
1952	The Mau Mau Uprising surfacedAssasination of Senior Chief Waruhiu wa Kung’u a colonial loyalistDeclaration of a State of Emergency following the assassination.
1953	Kapenguria six were arrested and sentenced to hard labourMau Mau intensified attacks in Central Kenya, Rift Valley and parts of Nairobi.British responded with mass arrests and forced relocations of Kikuyu, Embu and Meru Population
1954	Operation Anvil was launched by the Colonial Government leading to arrests of over 80,000 kikuyu’s.Establishment of concentration camps in places like Manyani, Hola and Lamu.Lyttleton Constitution was enacted introducing racial representation in government.
1955	The Colonial Government offered Amnesty to Mau Mau fighters
1956	Arrest of Dedan Kimathi in the Aberdare Forest
1957	Dedan Kimathi was Sentenced to Death and Executed.Tom Mboya, Oginga Odinga, Daniel Arap Moi and Ronald Ngala were elected to the LEGCO
1958	The Lennox-Boyd Constitution was introduced allowing limited African Representation in the LEGCO
1959	The Hola Massacre where eleven detainees were killed at Hola Dentention Camp
1960	The first Lancaser House Conference was held in London with the British agreeing to grant Kenya IndependenceKenya African National Union (KANU) was formed by James Gichuru as interim president.Kenya African Democratic Union was formed by Ronald Ngala and Daniel Arap Moi advocating for federal system of governance ( Majimboisim).Kenyan Shilling was introduced as the official currency by the Central Bank of Kenya.
1961	Jomo Kenyatta was released from detention.Jomo Kenyatta became the leader of KANUKANU won majority seats at the LEGCO but Jomo Kenyatta refused to form government until all political leaders are released.
1962	Second Lancanster House Conference was held, to negotiate a framework of self governance.A compromise between KANU and KADU led to the adoption of a Federal sytem of governance (Majimboism).
1963	Third Lancaster House Conference was held finalizing the constitutional arrangements for Kenya’s Independence.On June 1, Kenya gained internal self-government. On December, 12, Kenya gained IndependenceJomo Kenyatta became the First Prime Minister The Colonial Rule came to an end.Launch of the One Million Acre scheme to resettle landless africans on land purchased from European Settlers.The Judicature Act was passed establishing the structure of the Judiciary, with the highest court being the Court of Appeal.Kenya School of Law was established.Sir John Ainley was appointed the first Chief Justice of Kenya
1964	Kenya became a Republic within the CommonwealthJomo Kenyatta became the First PresidentKADU dissolved and its members joined KANU, creating a de-facto one party state.
1965	Sessional Paper No. 10 was released titled “African Socialism and its Application to Planning in Kenya,” outlining the government commitment to an economic model that combined African values with socialist principles. Assassination of Pio Gama Pinto.
1966	Oginga Odinga resigned as Vice President and from the ruling party KANU Oginga Odinga formed Kenya People’s Union (KPU) Constitutional amendments were made to merge the Senate and the House of Representative into a Unicameral National Assembly. Limuru Conference was held solidifying KANU’s dominance. Introduction of the Public Order Act to restrict opposition.
1968	Mr John Gachuhi became the first locally trained lawyer Kenyan to graduate from the Kenya School of Law. Justice Kitili Mwenda was appointed as the first Kenyan Chief Justice.
1969	Assassination of Tom Mboya Kisumu Massacre, when President Kenyatta visited Kisumu to inaugurate the New Nyanza Provincial General Hospital. KPU was banned and Detention of Opposition leaders including Oginga Odinga
1970	KANU consolidated its power with no significant opposition. University of Nairobi was established.
1971	Justice Kitili Mwenda resigned as Chief Justice. Sir James Wick was appointed Chief Justice
1974	Kenya first General Elections were held, which saw KANU maintain its dominance.
1975	Assassination of Josiah Mwangi Kariuki (J.M. Kariuki)
1976	Change of the Constitution Movement emerged led by Kimani Kihika
1978	Death of Jomo Kenyatta Daniel Arap Moi succeeded Kenyatta for a period of 3 months before the General Election
1979	The General Elections were held and Daniel Arap Moi became the President. University Staff Union was formed by Willy Mutunga, advocating for academic freedom and reinstatement of Prof-Ngugi wa Thiongo to University of Nairobi.
1980	Willy Mutunga was arrested for his involvement in the underground publication of Pambana. President Moi banned the Kenya Civil Servants Union and the University of Nairobi Staff Union
1982	Attempted coup against President Moi’s government Introduction of Section 2(a) in the Constitution making Kenya a de jure one party state Arrest and Detainment of Raila Odinga Justice Alfred Simpson became Chief Justice after retirement of Sir James Wick.
1985	Kenyan a thousand (ksh 1000) note was introduced as the highest denomination.
1986	Justice Cecil Ethelwood Miller a Jamaican became Kenya’s Chief Justice
1988	Introduction of Mlolongo Voting System (Queue voting system) in the General Elections. President Daniel Moi won the Presidential Elections
1989	Justice Allan Robin Hancox became Chief Justice overseeing judicial changes in the Moi era
1990	The Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD) was formed. Assassination of Robert Ouko
1991	Repealing of Section 2(a) thereby restoring multi-party democracy
1992	Kenya’s first Multi-party elections were held, with Daniel Moi winning the elections. Death of Masinde Muliro
1993	Justice Fred Kwasi Apaloo who was previously Ghana’s Chief Justice became Kenya’s Chief Justice.
1994	FORD Kenya party split into two with the other members forming FORD-Asili. Death of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga
1995	The Kenya Human Rights Commission was established. Justice Zacchaeus Chesoni became the Chief Justice, he also chaired the Electoral Commission
1996	The Inter-Parliamentary Parties Group (IPPG) was formed advocating for electoral reforms.
1997	The Second Multi-party elections were held, with Daniel Moi winning the elections. The Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC) was established. Kenya Anti-Corruption Authority was formed.
1998	Goldenberg Scandal Investigations US Embassy bombing in Nairobi Wangari Maathai Protest against the National Government plan to privatize Karura forest.
1999	Justice Bernard Chunga became the Chief Justice. His tenure was marred with accusation of Judicial intimidation
2000	The Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC) chaired by Yash Pal Ghai began its work to draft the new Constitution. The Kenya Anti-Corruption Authority was declared illegal on grounds that it was unconstitutionally established and that its director, Justice Aaron Ringera, was exercising powers reserved for the Attorney General.
2002	Formation of National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) led by Mwai Kibaki. Mwaki Kibaki won the Presidential elections
2003	The Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act was enacted. Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission was established. Introduction of Forty shillings coin (Ksh 40) to commemorate Kenya’s 40th Anniversary of Independence. Evans Gicheru was appointed Chief Justice. He oversaw the 2007 post-election violence cases
2004	The Bomas Draft Constitution was finalized but faced opposition from some political leaders.
2005	The Government proposed a new constitution the Wako Draft, but it was rejected by Kenyans NARC split with Raila Odinga forming the Orange Democratic Movement.
2007	Kibaki was declared the Presidential winner in the General Elections. Post-Election violence ensued.
2008	Commission of Inquiry into Post-Election Violence (Waki Commission) was formed. Mediation efforts led by Kofi Anan led to the National Accord and Reconciliation Act, creating a power sharing agreement between PNU and ODM. The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) was established to address historical injustices. Formation of the Grand Coalition Government
2009	The Committee of Experts was established to draft a new Constitution
2010	The New Constitution was promulgated. The Supreme Court of Kenya was established as the highest court in Kenya. Devolution was introduced in Kenya.
2011	The International Criminal Court summoned six Kenyans including William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta over their alleged roles in the post-election violence. Willy Mutunga was appointed the Chief Justice
2012	Formation of Jubilee Alliance by Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto Formation of CORD Coalition by Raila Odinga Death of George Saitoti
2013	Uhuru Kenyatta won the General Elections becoming the President. West-Gate Mall terrorist attack. The Mutunga Rules “Constitution of Kenya (Protection of Rights and Fundamental Freedoms) Practice and Procedure Rules, 2013” was introduced.
2014	Trial of President Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto at the ICC for their alleged roles in 2007-2008 post-elections violence
2015	National Youth Service was established. Garissa University terrorist attack
2016	Formation of the National Super Alliance by Raila Odinga Implementation of the Competency Based Curriculum in the education sector. David Maraga was appointed Chief Justice. He oversaw the transition to virtual courts and e-filing.
2017	Uhuru Kenyatta wins the General Election Nullification of the Presidential elections by the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Maraga Uhuru Kenyatta wins the repeat Presidential elections
2018	Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga engaged in a handshake, marking the beginning of the Building Bridged Initiatives
2019	New Series of Bank Notes were Introduced by the Central Bank of Kenya
2020	The BBI report was launched, proposing significant constitutional changes. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the political and economic activities.
2021	The BBI Constitutional Amendment Bill was passed by Parliament. The Bill was later declared unconstitutional by the High Court and Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
2022	Formation of Kenya Kwanza by William Ruto Formation of Azimio la Umoja Coalition by Raila Odinga. William Ruto won the General Elections becoming the President
2023	Formation of the NADCO Committee led by Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka and Kimani Ichungwa
2024	Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is Impeached by Parliament Kithure Kindiki is appointed as Deputy President by Parliament.