Kenya's government and economic life have been relatively
stable since independence in 1963, despite a reputation for
official corruption and oppression.
The theme of political stability continued in 1997 when
President Daniel arap Moi won a fifth term in office. Moi has
ruled Kenya since Jomo Kenyatta, the country's leader from
independence, died in 1978.
Political and tribal violence have flared from time to time,
claiming thousands of lives in the process. But opposition to
the government has been hampered by its inability to bring
fractured interest groups together.
However, an alliance of opposition leaders, lawyers and human
rights groups have been demanding constitutional reforms in
Kenya. The reformists, known as the National Convention
Assembly, want to repeal colonial-era laws they say favor
President Moi by restricting freedom of movement, assembly
and speech.
Land and People | History |
| Travel | Financial | Weather
DEMOGRAPHICS
- Population:
- 28,803,085
- Average life span:
- 54 male, 55 female
- Average yearly income ($US):
- $350
- GDP per capita ($US):
- $1,300
- Literacy rate:
- 78%
THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE
- Capital:
- Nairobi
- Size:
- 224,961 square miles (582,642 square km)
- Government type:
- Republic
- Political leaders:
- President Daniel arap Moi
- Religions:
- Protestant (40%), Roman Catholic (36%), Islam (16%),
indigenous (6%), others (2%)
- Languages:
- English, Swahili, indigenous
HISTORY
- 1498-1729 -- Portuguese explorers control coastal regions.
- 1729 -- Sultans of Oman take control of the region.
- 1890-1920 -- The British East Africa Company begins British colonization.
- 1920 -- "British East Africa" becomes an offical colony.
- 1952-1959 -- "Mau Mau" rebellion against British rule.
- 1963 -- Kenya becomes independent; a year later, it becomes a republic within the British Commonwealth.
- 1978 -- Kenya's first and only president, Jomo Kenyatta, dies; Vice President Daniel arap Moi succeeds him.
- 1991 -- Riots break out amid report of human rights abuses by the Moi government.
- 1993 -- Moi wins another term as President in elections marred by violence and accusations of fraud.
- 1997 -- Moi wins fifth term as president in chaotic election
once again marred by violence.
FINANCIAL
- Monetary unit:
- Shilling
CNN currency converter
CNN TRAVEL INFORMATION
CNN WEATHER INFORMATION
- Forecasts:
- --Nairobi
- --Mombasa
- --Embu
- --Kitale
- --Nakuru
- Forecast and satellite maps:
- --Africa forecast map
- --Africa satellite image