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Sub Saharan Africa

Kenya

 Flag of Kenya

Last reviewed: 21 April 2009

Country information

HISTORY

Kenya became a British protectorate in 1895 and a colony in 1920. White settlement was encouraged and by the 1940s European settlers had achieved considerable prosperity. African population growth resulted in increasing pressure for land. Jomo Kenyatta formed the first national organisation in 1944. But when the Mau Mau rebellion erupted in 1952, a state of emergency was declared, parties were banned and Kenyatta was tried and sent to prison. African members were elected to the legislative council in 1957 and the state of emergency was lifted in 1960. Political parties were legalised and Africans formed a majority on the legislative council. Two parties emerged: the Kenya Africa National Union (KANU) and the Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU). KANU won a general election in 1961 but refused to form an administration until the release of Kenyatta.

At independence in 1963, Kenyatta became Prime Minister. The following year KADU dissolved itself and Kenya became a republic with Kenyatta as its first President. A new opposition party was banned in 1969 and Kenya remained a de facto 1-party state for the remainder of Kenyatta’s rule. On his death in 1978 Daniel arap Moi became President and later turned Kenya into a de jure 1-party state.

In 1991, under pressure from Kenyan activists and the international community, this was reversed. With multi-partyism restored, several opposition parties emerged: FORD Kenya, FORD Asili, Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party, National Development Party of Kenya and other smaller parties. However, KANU retained control, winning contentious elections in 1992 and 1997 against a divided opposition and amidst allegations of election abuse. The Kenyan political environment remained turbulent throughout the 1990s.

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Contacts

Kenya

Address:

Kenya High Commission
45 Portland Place
London W1B 1AS



Agriculture and Commercial Offices
25 Brooks Mews
Off Davies Street
London W1

 

Telephone:

(020) 7636 2371
(020) 7355 3146 (Agriculture and Commercial)
(020) 7355 3145 (Commercial)

Fax:

(020) 7323 6717
(020) 7495 8656 (Agriculture)
(020) 7355 3144 (Commercial)

Office hours:

Mon-Fri: 0900-1300 and 1400-1700
Mon-Fri: 0930-1200 and 1400-1530 (Visa)

 

 

Website: http://www.kenyahighcommission.net