by Elizabeth Njeri

Kenya, a nation in the East of Africa possesses rich history, a vibrant present and an enormous phenomenal future. As an African nation there’re obvious biases, prominent of them being the vast potential and resources yet to be utilized for the wellbeing and prosperity of the nation and its people.

Secondly, the obvious impact of colonization is evident starting from the nation’s identity otherwise its name, an aftermath of the Berlin conference of 1885 which saw Europe scramble for the continent partitioning it into administrative units. Thirdly, the extensive interruption of culture by colonial influences, a far-reaching impact affecting major facets of everyday life. 

The name Kenya was coined from the highest mountain in Kenya, situated in what is otherwise known as central Kenya. Kirinyaga as it was originally known before the British depicts the snow whiteness on the mountain top as of an ostrich. Pronunciation challenges had the name shortened to Kenya in 1920 from the Berlin’s conference, British East Africa Protectorate.  

This series on Kenya will delve into history, understanding life and traditions before colonization, prominent figures, colonial interruptions and the current landscape in the nation as a generation works hard to reconnect with our traditional identity. I come from the largest tribal block in Kenya otherwise referred to as the Mt. Kenya Block constituting of Kikuyu, Embu, Meru and Akamba tribes. This is the block that fought relentlessly for the independence of the nation under the Mau Mau movement.

Currently, a vibrant movement is shaping up and is driven by the children, grandchildren and great grand children of those who fought for independence. Its deeply rooted in understanding how our forefathers rejected colonial ideology including weaponization of religion to confuse the masses into surrender. Our forefathers rejected colonial influence, preserved traditions all the while worshiping God as they did before and got their land back.