5 Most Notable Moments in Kenyan History

Countries are always proud to have a moment of history that makes citizens proud to belong to the nation. As a country, Kenya has not missed notable milestones in history. In fact, the achievements seem to be increasing day by day. They will always be found in the world’s economic, political, cultural and environmental archives. Apart from that, the following 5 most notable moments in Kenyan history are:

1. Gained independence in 1963

Like many African countries, Kenya was once ruled by its colonial masters. Britain had taken control of Kenya after European countries gained control of the African continent. The natives had to endure the brutality of their colonial masters. This led to an uprising against the so-called lords, as the citizens wanted their freedom back. After many battles fought by different ethnic communities under the banner of “MAU MAU”, the war was finally won. The British eventually relinquished their authority and Kenya became an independent state on December 12, 1963. The Union Jack was replaced by the Kenyan flag. The red color was spilled blood, white for peace, green for vegetation and black for its people.

2. First and only Kenyan Nobel Laureate – Professor Wangari Maathai 2004

The Nobel Prize is one of the most coveted prizes in the world. This achievement is a symbol of a lifetime achievement that very few people and countries achieve. In 2004, Kenya’s late Professor Wangari Maathai (1940-2011) made history when he became the first and only Kenyan to receive the award. She was also the first African woman to accomplish this feat. This achievement was not only a personal achievement for Professor Wangari Maathai, but also for Kenyans in general. She worked to protect Kenya’s rich and diverse environment. She was brutally beaten, imprisoned and displaced many times as she fought hard to protect Kenya’s forests and parks. Today, Kenyans can relax in the country’s largest park,

3. The seventh wonder of the world – The wildebeest migration

Kenya is one of the most popular tourist destinations. The country annually receives many tourists from both domestic and foreign countries. The main attractions of the region include the well-kept ecosystems, the pristine beaches, the beautiful and panoramic nature and the hospitality. The main attraction, however, is the annual wildebeest migration. Millions of wildebeest, gazelle and zebra cross the Mara River from Maasai Mara Park in Kenya to Serengeti Game Park in Tanzania. On this perilous journey, many animals die in the crocodile-infested Mara River. On November 17, 2006, experts from the American television station ABC declared this natural wonder the 7th wonder of the world.

4. King of Athletics

Kenya is known as the country where the world is victorious, especially when it comes to long-distance running. For many decades, the nation has clinched podium finishes at the Olympics, International Athletics Federations (IAAF), Diamond (formerly the Gold) league, marathons and more. That journey began with Kenya’s first success in Mexico City at the 1968 Olympics. Naftali Temo managed to take the gold in the 10,000m event. Since then, Kenya has maintained its supremacy in long-distance athletics.