Kenya Becomes an Independent Republic

On this day the African state of Kenya finally became an independent republic after nearly 80 years of British colonial rule. Following the Mau Mau uprising in the 1950s and the horrific brutality of the British response, the wheels were set in motion for the transition to an independent Commonwealth realm. This was established on 12th December 1963 with Queen Elizabeth II remaining as the nation’s Head of State. Exactly one year later, the Prime Minister, Jomo Kenyatta, officially became the first President of the newly-formed Republic of Kenya.

Author: Tony

Born and raised in Malaysia between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Educated at Wycliffe College in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, England. Living in the foothills of Mount Etna since 1982 and teaching English at Catania University since 1987. View all posts by Tony