The 1950s saw the outbreak of war between the Mau Mau and the British-backed settlers and colonial government. While the rebellion was mainly fought in the forests of Mount Kenya and Aberdares, Nairobi became both a battleground and a stronghold for colonial control. The city was torn between two realities—on one side, barbed-wire barricades, military … Read more
Christianity has played a pivotal role in shaping Kenyan culture since its introduction by European missionaries in the 19th century. While it contributed to advancements in education, health, and governance, it also disrupted indigenous belief systems, cultural practices, and traditional leadership structures. This article explores the historical spread of Christianity in Kenya, its influence on … Read more
Leadership was once a domain reserved for the elderly, grounded in the logic that accumulated years of observation and reflection naturally translated into wisdom. Drawing from dialectical materialism, knowledge was a progression—from sensory-perceptual experiences to abstract reasoning and intellectual maturity. In this framework, older individuals in any community held the upper hand in understanding and … Read more
When it comes to history, the concept of authority holds immense importance. Authority, in this context, refers to the weight and reliability of the information presented. As we strive to understand the past, the credibility of the source plays a vital role in separating fact from fiction, particularly in cases where modern tools of historical … Read more
As of 2019, the population of the Kikuyu people was 8,148,668, making them the largest ethnic group in Kenya. This represented 17.13% of Kenya’s total population.[1] This makes the Kikuyu the second-biggest ethnic group in East Africa after the Baganda of Uganda, whose population is estimated at 8.8 million.[2] Today, the Kikuyu people are known … Read more
Someone once paused and questioned their reality: Am I real? Do the things I see truly exist? Is this all a dream—or perhaps a simulation? Such questions often mark the beginning of an inquiry into the self, a journey to explore identity and existence. See the Story of this 16th Century local man ? At … Read more
Labor scarcity has been a recurring theme in Kenya’s history, influencing societal structures, agricultural practices, and colonial policies. From pre-colonial systems of land use to the exploitative labor practices of the colonial era, labor scarcity profoundly shaped the lives of ordinary Kenyans. This article explores how labor shortages were addressed through innovative systems and how … Read more
Kenya’s current political environment presents a chilling question: Are words and symbols potent enough to rival physical violence in their capacity to harm? The disappearance of critics like Kibet Bull, alongside the vanishing of several others amid allegations of a “psychological warfare” aimed at the presidency, brings this question to the forefront. The ongoing struggle … Read more
Pre-Colonial Period Prehistoric Times Kenya’s designation as the “cradle of humanity” is rooted in its remarkable prehistoric discoveries, particularly in the Great Rift Valley, one of the world’s richest archaeological sites. Fossil evidence, such as Homo habilis (“handy man”) discovered at Olduvai Gorge and Homo erectus at Lake Turkana, demonstrates the early presence of human … Read more
Throughout history, many have wondered why individuals who deeply understand justice and possess wisdom are often reluctant to assume leadership roles. Socrates, one of the greatest philosophers in Western thought, offers valuable insights into this paradox. For Kenya, a country that has long grappled with political challenges, this lesson is especially relevant as it seeks … Read more